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Tag: Arequipa
Pickpockets in Peru
7 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…
Snatch thefts in Peru
2 1How it works: Pavement: bikes riding past, with a pillion rider doing the snatch. Market, plaza, park, bus station, train station: distracting and snatching from you, then escaping via a getaway…
Credit card skimming in Peru
1 1How it works: Situation: according to the US Bureau of Diplomatic Safety, credit card fraud is common here. Version 1 (ATM): card skimmer installed to capture your card details, pinhole…
Express kidnappings in Peru
1 0How it works: This is where victims are held and brought around different ATMs by thugs. Once your account withdrawal limit is reached, the victim is quickly released. However, some…
Carjacking in Peru
2 0How it works: Situation: SUVs and sedans with expensive upgrades are usually targeted. Version 1: someone signals you to pull over indicating problems with your car, such as a flat…
Unlicensed taxis in Peru
2 0How it works: Opening: at airports, unlicensed drivers will pretend to know you, or claim to have been sent by your hotel; or your hotel staff calls one for you….
Taxi scams in Peru
2 0How it works: Version 1: as taxis here do not use meters, a common scam is to charge an inflated flat fare. Version 2: not clarifying the currency (quoting in…
Currency switcheroo in Peru
2 0How it works: Version 1: swapping the note you have given to a note of lower value, then demanding that you top up or shortchange you. Version 2: giving you…
Counterfeit currency in Peru
3 2How it works: Situation: Peru is the world leader in producing counterfeit USD notes. Besides USD, there are counterfeit Peruvian sols too. Set-up: scammers target tourists by asking if you…
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:…
Restaurant scams in Peru
3 2How it works: Situation: most food places are fine, it’s generally just a few bad eggs around touristy areas that spoil it for the rest. Set-up: advertising cheap rates, free…
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;…