Scam in ArgentinaTheft
Bag snatching in Argentina
How it works
A thief grabs a bag and leaves before you can react.
Warning signs
- Your bag is loose or easy to grab.
- You are carrying several items and cannot watch them all.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag close to your body.
- Carry fewer items.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
If it happens to you
Do not chase or struggle with the thief. Move to safety and report the theft.
- Get somewhere safe. If threatened, hand over valuables and avoid resistance.
- Check for injuries. Call police for immediate danger or an ambulance if medical help is needed.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your bank. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save evidence, including receipts, messages, vehicle details and the time and place. Do not confront or chase anyone.
- Report the incident to police or Tourist Police. Request a written report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the bag snatching scam in Argentina?
A thief grabs a bag and leaves before you can react.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is loose or easy to grab. You are carrying several items and cannot watch them all.
How do I avoid bag snatching in Argentina?
Keep your bag close to your body. Carry fewer items. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not chase or struggle with the thief. Move to safety and report the theft.
Where in Argentina does this happen?
Streets and public spaces. It has been reported in Buenos Aires.
How common is this scam in Argentina?
Common. Most visitors travel in Argentina without an incident, but petty theft and tourist scams are worth preparing for. Watch for pickpockets, distraction theft, taxi fare tricks and street money exchanges, especially in Buenos Aires and around busy transport terminals.
Are there similar scams in Argentina?
Yes: pickpocketing, distraction theft, mustard or cream distraction.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 911 for an emergency. In some smaller cities, the police number may be 101. Report theft or robbery and request a written record. Tourist Police in Buenos Aires: visit Corrientes 436. Call 0800 999 5000 within Argentina or +54 11 4346 5748. Email turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. Assistance is available in English, Italian, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian. Tourist Ombudsman in Buenos Aires: call +54 11 4302 7816 or visit Ave. Pedro de Mendoza 1835, at the Benito Quinquela Martin Museum in La Boca. Listed hours are daily, 10:00–18:00. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze 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 help replacing travel documents. Airline and airport staff: report theft from checked luggage promptly. Keep your baggage tags and ask for a written incident record. Travel insurer: follow your policy's claim process. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Argentina?
Police and general emergencies: 911, Police in some smaller cities: 101, Ambulance; SAME in Buenos Aires: 107, Fire service: 100, Tourist Police: +54 11 4346 5748, Tourist Police, within Argentina: 0800 999 5000.
Reviewed by @snuck