Scam in PeruFake officials
Fake plain-clothes police stealing passports in Peru
How it works
People posing as plain-clothes police offer a fake form and try to steal passports. This has happened even with real police and customs staff nearby.
Warning signs
- A person in ordinary clothes introduces an extra form outside the normal process.
- Someone away from the official desk asks to take your passport.
How to avoid it
- Handle passport checks at the official counter.
- Ask a uniformed officer or customs official to verify an unexpected request.
- Keep your passport in sight during checks.
If it happens to you
Alert official border staff immediately. If your passport is taken, report the theft and contact your embassy or consulate.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone is threatening you, prioritise your safety over belongings.
- For immediate danger or injury, call emergency services. Avoid chasing thieves or confronting armed people.
- Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Lock a stolen phone and secure affected accounts.
- Save receipts, booking messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and any vehicle details you safely remember.
- Report the incident to police and ask how to obtain a report copy. Keep the report for insurance or a payment dispute.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
Questions
What is the fake plain-clothes police stealing passports scam in Peru?
People posing as plain-clothes police offer a fake form and try to steal passports. This has happened even with real police and customs staff nearby.
How can I spot it early?
A person in ordinary clothes introduces an extra form outside the normal process. Someone away from the official desk asks to take your passport.
How do I avoid fake plain-clothes police stealing passports in Peru?
Handle passport checks at the official counter. Ask a uniformed officer or customs official to verify an unexpected request. Keep your passport in sight during checks.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Alert official border staff immediately. If your passport is taken, report the theft and contact your embassy or consulate.
Where in Peru does this happen?
The border crossing from Huaquillas in Ecuador into Peru.
How common is this scam in Peru?
Occasional. Petty theft is a concern in Peru, and armed robberies of tourists are described as fairly common. Taxi robberies, inflated fares, misleading touts and false money are the main risks to prepare for. Choose transport carefully, check prices before paying and keep valuables out of sight.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: dial 911 for an emergency. The older number 105 can also connect you with police. Tourist police: ask tourist police for help in person. They are described as wearing white shirts and normally speaking English. They are present in downtown Arequipa. Police: report theft, robbery or fraud and request a report. To obtain a copy, the stated process requires paying S/3 at Banco de la Nación during working days. Serenazgo: in Lima and some larger cities, ask this local police service for help. It does not provide tourist-focused services. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or contact number to block 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 consular help. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance team. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses. Transport company, booking seller or shop: raise a complaint through the business's official contact channel. Provide your receipt, booking details and the price or service you agreed.
What number do I call in an emergency in Peru?
All emergency services: 911, Police, older number: 105.
Reviewed by @snuck