Scam in VenezuelaTheft
Armed street and bus robbery in Venezuela
How it works
Robbers threaten people and take their belongings. Many carry guns. Risks include walking at night, travelling on Maracaibo bus routes and visiting Paseo Orinoco after dark.
Warning signs
- A street or city centre becomes deserted after sunset.
- Your route takes you through an unfamiliar poor neighbourhood.
- You are walking at night with visible valuables.
How to avoid it
- Arrange trusted vehicle transport for local trips after dark.
- In Maracaibo, use an arranged taxi instead of a bus if you can afford it.
- Keep jewellery, watches, cash and phones out of sight.
- Avoid Paseo Orinoco at night and unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
If it happens to you
Stay calm. Do not resist or make sudden movements. Avoid eye contact and hand over what is demanded. Seek help once the robbers have left and you can move safely.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If threatened or robbed, do not resist or chase anyone.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Block missing cards through your bank. Secure a stolen phone and any affected accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, booking details and vehicle information without putting yourself at risk.
- Contact the relevant business or card issuer. If you need a police report, ask your hotel or embassy how to obtain one safely.
- Contact your embassy if your passport is missing, and your insurer if you need to make a claim.
Questions
What is the armed street and bus robbery scam in Venezuela?
Robbers threaten people and take their belongings. Many carry guns. Risks include walking at night, travelling on Maracaibo bus routes and visiting Paseo Orinoco after dark.
How can I spot it early?
A street or city centre becomes deserted after sunset. Your route takes you through an unfamiliar poor neighbourhood. You are walking at night with visible valuables.
How do I avoid armed street and bus robbery in Venezuela?
Arrange trusted vehicle transport for local trips after dark. In Maracaibo, use an arranged taxi instead of a bus if you can afford it. Keep jewellery, watches, cash and phones out of sight. Avoid Paseo Orinoco at night and unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm. Do not resist or make sudden movements. Avoid eye contact and hand over what is demanded. Seek help once the robbers have left and you can move safely.
Where in Venezuela does this happen?
City streets, bus routes and deserted areas after dark. Bus muggings are described as very common in Maracaibo. It has been reported in Caracas, Ciudad Bolívar, Maracaibo.
How common is this scam in Venezuela?
Very common. Tourist overcharging is common in Venezuela, especially with taxis. Other risks include dishonest currency traders, demands for bribes, pickpocketing and armed robbery. Check prices before agreeing, arrange trusted transport and keep valuables out of sight.
Are there similar scams in Venezuela?
Yes: pickpocketing and petty theft.
Who can I report it to?
Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and report unauthorised or incorrect charges. Taxi service, transport operator, restaurant or club management: give the agreed price, receipt or booking details and explain the disputed charge. Ask for a correction when it is safe to do so. Police: ask your hotel or embassy how to make a report safely. Police corruption is a concern, including at the international airport. Armed robbers are rarely caught, so reporting should not be treated as a promise of recovery. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport and guidance after a serious crime or a demand for a bribe. Travel insurer: contact the claims service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, incident notes and any report reference.
Reviewed by @snuck