Scam in PeruTheft
Armed street robbery in Peru
How it works
Robbers threaten travellers and take their belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies near the beach in Pimentel have also been reported in daylight.
Warning signs
- An unlit street with few people around.
- People blocking your route or following you.
- You are openly carrying valuables.
How to avoid it
- Avoid isolated routes, especially at night.
- Keep jewellery, cash and expensive devices out of sight.
- In downtown Arequipa, avoid walking alone after 23:00.
- Do not assume a beach area is safe because it is daytime.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and avoid sudden movements or resistance if threatened. Once safe, contact emergency services and report the robbery.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone is threatening you, prioritise your safety over belongings.
- For immediate danger or injury, call emergency services. Avoid chasing thieves or confronting armed people.
- Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Lock a stolen phone and secure affected accounts.
- Save receipts, booking messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and any vehicle details you safely remember.
- Report the incident to police and ask how to obtain a report copy. Keep the report for insurance or a payment dispute.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the armed street robbery scam in Peru?
Robbers threaten travellers and take their belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies near the beach in Pimentel have also been reported in daylight.
How can I spot it early?
An unlit street with few people around. People blocking your route or following you. You are openly carrying valuables.
How do I avoid armed street robbery in Peru?
Avoid isolated routes, especially at night. Keep jewellery, cash and expensive devices out of sight. In downtown Arequipa, avoid walking alone after 23:00. Do not assume a beach area is safe because it is daytime.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and avoid sudden movements or resistance if threatened. Once safe, contact emergency services and report the robbery.
Where in Peru does this happen?
Quiet or unlit streets, areas outside city centres after dark, and some beach areas. It has been reported in Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo.
How common is this scam in Peru?
Common. Petty theft is a concern in Peru, and armed robberies of tourists are described as fairly common. Taxi robberies, inflated fares, misleading touts and false money are the main risks to prepare for. Choose transport carefully, check prices before paying and keep valuables out of sight.
Are there similar scams in Peru?
Yes: pickpocketing and theft of belongings, kidnapping to force cash withdrawals.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: dial 911 for an emergency. The older number 105 can also connect you with police. Tourist police: ask tourist police for help in person. They are described as wearing white shirts and normally speaking English. They are present in downtown Arequipa. Police: report theft, robbery or fraud and request a report. To obtain a copy, the stated process requires paying S/3 at Banco de la Nación during working days. Serenazgo: in Lima and some larger cities, ask this local police service for help. It does not provide tourist-focused services. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or contact number to block cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance team. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses. Transport company, booking seller or shop: raise a complaint through the business's official contact channel. Provide your receipt, booking details and the price or service you agreed.
What number do I call in an emergency in Peru?
All emergency services: 911, Police, older number: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck