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Top travel scams in South America
Shoe shine scam in Colombia
6 0How it works: Situation: there are plenty of shoe shiners in the cities. Some areas are fine while others are out to scam. Opening: when you enquire about the price,…
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Fake baby alpaca, Inca pottery, silver in Peru
6 0How it works: Version 1: baby alpaca products are commonly faked. Cheap imitations are made with blends of synthetic fibres and brushed acrylic available at very low prices. Version 2:…
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Pelourinho scams in Brazil
6 0How it works: Scam 1: unofficial guides who latch onto you, provided unsolicited advice or directions and then ask for a fee (e.g. 100 real) for their “tour services”. Scam…
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Galapagos cruise scam in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Version 1: you may encounter touts who offer a boat cruise to Galapagos at a knock-down price. However it usually comes with a range of hidden costs…
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Fraudulent hiking tours in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: rogue guides take you to a remote area and then rob you of your valuables. Version 2: some threaten to leave you in the middle…
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Unlicensed tour operators in Peru
6 0How it works: Situation: Of the ~800+ tour operators in Cusco, a massive 600+ are unlicensed. Set-up: Guides are also not on salary but are compensated on a commission basis…
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Ayahuasca scams in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Opening: like in Peru, Ayahuasca tourism is an emerging market and involves taking a psychedelic herb with a shaman who performs a ritual to ‘cleanse you spiritually’…
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Ferry day tour scams in Uruguay
6 0How it works: Scam 1: spending a lot more time at shops (where they get a commission) rather than at attractions. Scam 2: having CD (containing Montevideo’s history) peddlers on…
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Fraudulent tour operators in Peru
6 1How it works: Operator overcharges, takes the money upfront, fulfils only part of their obligations and then disappears before the tour is over. Places to beware: Anywhere (e.g. in Puno;…
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Beach shoe shine scam in Brazil
6 0How it works: Opening: someone squirts green/brown goop (or mustard, sunscreen, material that seems dirty and gross) onto your shoes without you realizing. Set-up: next, a shoe shiner offers to…
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Taxis scams in Argentina
6 0How it works: Version 1: rigged meters which jump too fast or too much. Version 2: claiming additional surcharges. Version 3: insists on not using the meter but charging an…
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Pickpockets in Peru
6 2How it works: Version 1: they work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a…
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Unlicensed taxis in Argentina
6 0How it works: Situation: you may encounter a number of unlicensed taxis which look similar to radio taxis at places where tourists go. Set-up: some may be fine but in…
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Snatch thefts in Colombia
6 1How it works: Two versions: strike and run; distract and grab. Possible scenarios: Bike/moped: riding past with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Street, mall, market, shop, park, transportation hub:…
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Playa de Bocagrande food, service scams in Colombia
6 0How it works: Situation: Playa de Bocagrande is packed with vendors but in their midst are also many con artists: Version 1: letting you eat lots of oysters seemingly for…
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