Scam in PeruTheft
Pickpocketing and theft of belongings in Peru
How it works
Thieves take money or belongings from pockets and bags. Crowds and bags left out of reach make theft easier.
Warning signs
- A crowded market where people press close to you.
- Your bag is behind you or out of sight.
- You are displaying valuables while walking.
How to avoid it
- Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds.
- On buses, keep your backpack under your seat with its strap around your leg.
- Keep cash in more than one secure place.
- Put your phone away after using it.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Block stolen cards and report the theft. Avoid chasing or confronting the thief.
- 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.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/PERU2024Robbed in Miraflores - sharing for other travellersA traveller describes thieves using an adjacent stairwell to steal a bag hanging from their restaurant chair in Miraflores.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travel2023I got robbed in Peru todayA traveller reports that another hotel guest stole their backpack, laptop, cash and clothes from an unlocked room in Chiclayo.Read on Reddit
- Government advice2026Peru Travel Advice & SafetyAustralian travel advice warns about pickpocketing, bag snatching, motorcycle phone theft and belongings stolen from intercity buses.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the pickpocketing and theft of belongings scam in Peru?
Thieves take money or belongings from pockets and bags. Crowds and bags left out of reach make theft easier.
How can I spot it early?
A crowded market where people press close to you. Your bag is behind you or out of sight. You are displaying valuables while walking.
How do I avoid pickpocketing and theft of belongings in Peru?
Keep bags closed and in front of you in crowds. On buses, keep your backpack under your seat with its strap around your leg. Keep cash in more than one secure place. Put your phone away after using it.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe and check what is missing. Block stolen cards and report the theft. Avoid chasing or confronting the thief.
Where in Peru does this happen?
Crowded markets, central streets and buses. It has been reported in Lima, Cajamarca, Chiclayo.
How common is this scam in Peru?
Common. 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: armed street robbery, kidnapping to force cash withdrawals.
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