Scam in ColombiaTaxis
Counterfeit cash or incorrect taxi change in Colombia
How it works
A passenger may receive incorrect change or counterfeit coins and banknotes after paying a taxi fare.
Warning signs
- The change does not add up.
- A coin or banknote looks suspicious.
How to avoid it
- Count your change before leaving.
- Check both coins and banknotes.
- Remember that tipping is optional.
If it happens to you
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone has a weapon or threatens violence, do not resist.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and mobile provider promptly. Freeze affected cards and secure your accounts.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save receipts, booking details, vehicle information and relevant messages.
- Report the incident to police. For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123 and the taxi company.
- Contact your insurer and ask what evidence they need. Tell your card issuer about any disputed or forced transactions.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document guidance.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Travel blog20229 Common Scams in Colombia: How to Avoid Being ConnedThe contributor describes taxi drivers switching large banknotes for smaller denominations, returning counterfeit substitutes and giving fake notes as change.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blog202613 Common Tourist Scams In Bogotá: Avoid These Scams!The author describes taxi payment tricks that misrepresent the denomination handed over and warns passengers to check returned notes for authenticity.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the counterfeit cash or incorrect taxi change scam in Colombia?
A passenger may receive incorrect change or counterfeit coins and banknotes after paying a taxi fare.
How can I spot it early?
The change does not add up. A coin or banknote looks suspicious.
How do I avoid counterfeit cash or incorrect taxi change in Colombia?
Count your change before leaving. Check both coins and banknotes. Remember that tipping is optional.
Where in Colombia does this happen?
When paying taxi fares It has been reported in Bogotá.
How common is this scam in Colombia?
Occasional. Travellers can face taxi overcharging, pushy touts, dishonest money changers and theft in Colombia. Cartagena has several tourist-focused tricks, while Bogotá has warnings about pickpockets and taxi robberies. The risk varies by area and time of day, and some incidents involve threats or violence.
Are there similar scams in Colombia?
Yes: taxi fare overcharging, taxi detours and waiting-charge tricks, paseo Millonario taxi robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, threats or fraud once you are safe. For a taxi problem in Bogotá, call 123. Ask how to obtain a record of your report. Taxi company: for a taxi complaint in Bogotá, also contact the company with which the taxi is registered. Provide the booking details and vehicle registration if available. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed or forced withdrawals. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Mobile provider: report a stolen phone and ask the provider to block the SIM.
What number do I call in an emergency in Colombia?
Police: taxi problems and complaints in Bogotá: 123.
Reviewed by @snuck