Scam in ChileTheft
Car hijacking in Chile
How it works
Criminals take a vehicle by force or threat. Car hijacking has increased, but no specific setup or location is described.
How to avoid it
- Keep expensive belongings out of sight.
- Avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or argue over the vehicle. Follow instructions, move to safety when possible and contact police.
- Get to a safe place. If someone threatens you, follow instructions and hand over valuables rather than resisting.
- Call 133 if you need emergency police help. Seek urgent medical care if you are injured or suspect drink spiking.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards. Contact your card issuer about any payments or withdrawals you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, transaction records, booking details and messages. Write down what happened while you remember it.
- Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer promptly. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock tools and secure the accounts it could access.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Chile travel advice - GOV.UKBritish authorities report carjackings in Santiago, including armed attacks on high-end vehicles on highways and incidents near residential gates.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2026Chile travel adviceCanadian authorities report carjackings while drivers open or close gates or wait for gates to move.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the car hijacking scam in Chile?
Criminals take a vehicle by force or threat. Car hijacking has increased, but no specific setup or location is described.
How do I avoid car hijacking in Chile?
Keep expensive belongings out of sight. Avoid unfamiliar areas at night.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or argue over the vehicle. Follow instructions, move to safety when possible and contact police.
How common is this scam in Chile?
Occasional. The main risks for visitors to Chile are pickpocketing, robbery, card fraud and drink spiking. Crowded city areas need extra care, while street money changers and poor exchange rates can also put your money at risk.
Are there similar scams in Chile?
Yes: pickpocketing and wallet theft, street robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Carabineros — National Police: call 133 from any phone for emergency assistance. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud to police and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and proof of loss. Bar or club staff: tell staff immediately if you suspect drink spiking. Ask for help and stay with a trusted companion.
What number do I call in an emergency in Chile?
Carabineros — emergency police assistance: 133.
Reviewed by @snuck