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Top scam stories in South America
Drug planting in Brazil
1 0How it works: Drugs trafficking is unlikely to affect tourists, though there have been instances of drug planting. If caught by the police who are in cahoots, you will have…
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El Paseo millionaire in Colombia
1 0How it works: Situation: also known as express kidnapping, this is generally perpetrated by unofficial taxis at night or by criminals who target those at ATMs. There have been past…
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Airport baggage handler theft in Argentina
1 0How it works: There have been reports of airport staff, who are hired by the airport under the guise of a private security firm, stealing from checked in luggage. They are…
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Vacation apartment deposit scam in Peru
1 0How it works: Situation: landlords in Lima are infamous for “squeezing” foreign tenants. Opening: like in Argentina, one trick is to require an inflated deposit, with no intention of returning…
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Fake police in Bolivia
1 0How it works: Opening: a local/tourist first engages you in conversation (e.g. ask about directions). Next, fake police officers appear and accuse you both of engaging in an illegal activity…
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Airport unofficial taxi robbery in Colombia
1 0How it works: When arriving at major airports, tourists have occasionally fallen victim to unofficial taxi drivers who bring them to armed robbers instead of their intended destination. Places…
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Airport driver intercept in Argentina
1 0How it works: Situation: a customs officer notes down your passport (e.g. name) and accommodation details and transmit this to a driver outside. Opening: the driver then writes your name…
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ATM skimming in Colombia
1 0How it works: Situation: the vast majority of tourists would probably not fall for this but on the off-chance that you do, you need to know how to spot the…
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Sob story scammers in Peru
1 0How it works: Version 1: someone claims to have been robbed and asks if you can spare some money for him to take transport. An infamous example is a “German…
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