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Common in Costa Rica

Scam in Costa RicaTheft

Flat-tire help used to steal in Costa Rica

Main highways

How it works

A stranger offers help when you have a flat tire. Their friendly approach creates a chance to steal your belongings. The situation can also turn into a carjacking.

Warning signs

  • A stranger approaches to help with a flat tire.
  • The person is not from an established service station.

How to avoid it

  1. Accept help only from an established service station.
  2. Keep your belongings secure while arranging help.
  3. Keep control of your keys.

If it happens to you

Move to safety. Do not fight over belongings. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.

  1. Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
  2. Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
  3. Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
  4. Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
  5. Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
Where it happensMain highwaysSan José

What travellers report

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

More scams in Costa RicaTaxi meter left off: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the flat-tire help used to steal scam in Costa Rica?

A stranger offers help when you have a flat tire. Their friendly approach creates a chance to steal your belongings. The situation can also turn into a carjacking.

How can I spot it early?

A stranger approaches to help with a flat tire. The person is not from an established service station.

How do I avoid flat-tire help used to steal in Costa Rica?

Accept help only from an established service station. Keep your belongings secure while arranging help. Keep control of your keys.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Move to safety. Do not fight over belongings. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.

Where in Costa Rica does this happen?

Main highways It has been reported in San José.

How common is this scam in Costa Rica?

Common. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.

Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?

Yes: street and nightlife theft, theft from overhead bus luggage, theft by valet parking staff.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.

What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?

Emergency services: 911.

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