Scam in ColombiaTaxis
Paseo Millonario taxi robbery in Colombia
How it works
A taxi picks up armed accomplices who rob the passenger. They may force the passenger to withdraw money at several ATMs. Drugging is also described as a possibility. Separate incidents still occur in Bogotá.
Warning signs
- The taxi was picked up from the street rather than booked.
- The driver stops to let other people into your taxi.
How to avoid it
- Book taxis through an app or by phone.
- Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a taxi.
- Use official taxi ranks at airports, bus terminals or shopping malls.
- Check the registration details supplied by the booking company.
If it happens to you
Do not fight armed attackers. Once safe in Bogotá, call 123 and contact the taxi company.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government adviceRecomendaciones de viajeSpain’s consulate describes false taxi drivers abducting passengers for several hours to rob and extort them in the crime known as paseo millonario.Read on Government advice
- Travel blogColombia Insider’s GuideThe guide describes criminals working with taxi drivers to take passengers between ATMs and force cash withdrawals.Read on Travel blog
- Government adviceColombia Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralian authorities report express kidnappings involving forced ATM withdrawals and identify street-hailed taxis as a potential starting point.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the paseo Millonario taxi robbery scam in Colombia?
A taxi picks up armed accomplices who rob the passenger. They may force the passenger to withdraw money at several ATMs. Drugging is also described as a possibility. Separate incidents still occur in Bogotá.
How can I spot it early?
The taxi was picked up from the street rather than booked. The driver stops to let other people into your taxi.
How do I avoid paseo Millonario taxi robbery in Colombia?
Book taxis through an app or by phone. Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a taxi. Use official taxi ranks at airports, bus terminals or shopping malls. Check the registration details supplied by the booking company.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight armed attackers. Once safe in Bogotá, call 123 and contact the taxi company.
Where in Colombia does this happen?
Street-hailed taxis in major cities, with specific warnings for Bogotá
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.
Are there similar scams in Colombia?
Yes: taxi fare overcharging, taxi detours and waiting-charge tricks, taxi driver leaving with luggage.
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