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Tag: Santa Marta
Snatch thefts in Colombia
6 2How 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:…
Fake beggars in Colombia
2 0How it works: Version 1: a beggar claims to be hungry and asks you for a sandwich. If you help, the sandwich will be sold to buy drugs. Version 2:…
Counterfeit currency in Colombia
2 0How it works: You hand over a note and the cashier/seller claims that he needs to find some change. This is to bring the note out of sight so it…
Rental car damage in Colombia
1 0How it works: Rental car companies here are infamous for discovering the smallest scratches (not caused by you) and charging you inflated repair fees. Places to beware: Anywhere What…
Taxi scams in Colombia
3 0How it works: Version 1: you pay with a large note which the driver swaps to a small or counterfeit note with sleight of hand. You are then asked to…
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…
Fake goods in Colombia
3 0How it works: Situation: Colombia produces a huge number of fake goods. Version 1: fake Cuban cigars containing tobacco waste or grass clippings are often sold on the streets (e.g….
Price quote scams in Colombia
3 0How it works: Like in most flea markets in developing countries, items sold at markets in Colombia generally do not have clearly labeled prices. As a tourist, you will probably…
Product swap shopping scam in Colombia
3 0How it works: Opening: after you pay, the shop assistant heads to the back of the shop to swap your item. Set-up: when you unpack your item back in your…
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…
Beach scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Version 1: a crab seller offers you a crab leg claiming it is a free sample. He will keep forcing you to have more and you will…
Lost City mule riding scam in Colombia
4 0How it works: There have been some rogue mule drivers who double the initially agreed upon price midway through the trek. Places to beware: Santa Marta:Lost City What to do:…