Scam in ArgentinaTaxis
Counterfeit taxi change in Argentina
How it works
A driver gives counterfeit notes as change. This is described as less common than unnecessary taxi detours.
Warning signs
- You hand over a large note and need several notes back.
- The change looks or feels suspicious.
How to avoid it
- Use small notes or exact payment.
- Check the notes you receive before leaving.
If it happens to you
If safe, question the note before leaving. Keep the taxi details and report suspected counterfeit money.
- 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.
- Redditr/BuenosAires2024I'm a repeat tourist who just fell for the classic san telmo taxi scam about 1 minute agoA repeat visitor reports a San Telmo taxi using an unusually fast meter and handing them an obviously counterfeit banknote.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/expat2023Found my cash stash from ArgentinaA commenter recalls receiving a counterfeit banknote as change from an Argentine taxi driver.Read on Reddit
- WebMagic Judges travel guides2015Microsoft Word - GP BA TravelGuide rev B.docA Buenos Aires visitor guide reports taxi drivers giving counterfeit change or swapping genuine payment notes for fakes before demanding replacements.Read on Web
Questions
What is the counterfeit taxi change scam in Argentina?
A driver gives counterfeit notes as change. This is described as less common than unnecessary taxi detours.
How can I spot it early?
You hand over a large note and need several notes back. The change looks or feels suspicious.
How do I avoid counterfeit taxi change in Argentina?
Use small notes or exact payment. Check the notes you receive before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If safe, question the note before leaving. Keep the taxi details and report suspected counterfeit money.
Where in Argentina does this happen?
Taxi payments.
How common is this scam in Argentina?
Occasional. 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: taxi detours, taxi meter left off, taxi short-changing.
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