Drug offer followed by fake police and ATM demands in Colombia

Reported in Cartagena.

How it works

A gang lures a visitor into buying illegal drugs. Other gang members then appear as police. They force the visitor to an ATM to pay a supposed fine. The incident may also lead to kidnapping.

Warning signs

Someone tries to sell you illegal drugs.
People claiming to be police appear immediately after the purchase.
They demand an ATM withdrawal to settle a fine.

How to avoid it

Do not buy illegal drugs.
Leave drug offers without engaging in a deal.
Treat an immediate demand for an ATM payment as a danger sign.

If it happens to you

If threatened, put your safety first and avoid physical resistance. Seek police help once you are safely away.

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.

Where it happensCartagena

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in ColombiaMoney-changing sleight of hand: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the drug offer followed by fake police and ATM demands scam in Colombia?

A gang lures a visitor into buying illegal drugs. Other gang members then appear as police. They force the visitor to an ATM to pay a supposed fine. The incident may also lead to kidnapping.

How can I spot it early?

Someone tries to sell you illegal drugs. People claiming to be police appear immediately after the purchase. They demand an ATM withdrawal to settle a fine.

How do I avoid drug offer followed by fake police and ATM demands in Colombia?

Do not buy illegal drugs. Leave drug offers without engaging in a deal. Treat an immediate demand for an ATM payment as a danger sign.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If threatened, put your safety first and avoid physical resistance. Seek police help once you are safely away.

Where in Colombia does this happen?

It has been reported in Cartagena.

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.

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