Scam in ArgentinaNightlife
Free presentation or massage trap in Argentina
How it works
A street recruiter offers an "apresentación" or a supposedly free encounter with massage girls. Inside, people physically block your exit until you pay a large sum.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers something free with no commitment.
- You are invited into an unfamiliar venue from the street.
How to avoid it
- Ignore the offer and keep walking.
- Do not follow street recruiters into a venue.
If it happens to you
Prioritise getting out safely. Avoid physical confrontation and contact police as soon as you can do so safely.
- 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.
Questions
What is the free presentation or massage trap scam in Argentina?
A street recruiter offers an "apresentación" or a supposedly free encounter with massage girls. Inside, people physically block your exit until you pay a large sum.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers something free with no commitment. You are invited into an unfamiliar venue from the street.
How do I avoid free presentation or massage trap in Argentina?
Ignore the offer and keep walking. Do not follow street recruiters into a venue.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Prioritise getting out safely. Avoid physical confrontation and contact police as soon as you can do so safely.
Where in Argentina does this happen?
The city centre, especially Corrientes Avenue, Florida Street and Lavalle Avenue. It has been reported in Buenos Aires.
How common is this scam in Argentina?
Common. 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.
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