Scam in PeruTaxis
Fake taxi company branding in Peru
How it works
Fake taxis may copy the branding of Turismo Arequipa, whose genuine vehicles use a green and white logo. A familiar logo alone does not prove that a car belongs to the company.
Warning signs
- A driver relies only on a familiar logo to prove their identity.
- The car does not match the taxi your accommodation arranged.
How to avoid it
- Have your hotel or hostel call a known company.
- Confirm that the arriving car is the one they booked.
- Do not rely on the green and white logo alone.
If it happens to you
Do not enter if the booking details do not match. If already inside and uneasy, leave at a safe, busy place if possible.
- 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 taxi company branding scam in Peru?
Fake taxis may copy the branding of Turismo Arequipa, whose genuine vehicles use a green and white logo. A familiar logo alone does not prove that a car belongs to the company.
How can I spot it early?
A driver relies only on a familiar logo to prove their identity. The car does not match the taxi your accommodation arranged.
How do I avoid fake taxi company branding in Peru?
Have your hotel or hostel call a known company. Confirm that the arriving car is the one they booked. Do not rely on the green and white logo alone.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not enter if the booking details do not match. If already inside and uneasy, leave at a safe, busy place if possible.
Where in Peru does this happen?
Arequipa taxi pickups. It has been reported in Arequipa.
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.
Are there similar scams in Peru?
Yes: taxi robbery or kidnapping, inflated taxi fares, taxi price quoted without a currency.
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