Scam in BoliviaFake officials
Plain-clothed police impersonation in Bolivia
How it works
A person in ordinary clothes poses as a police officer. The exact demands and sequence of the scam are not described.
Warning signs
- A person in ordinary clothes approaches you claiming to be a police officer.
- You cannot independently confirm the person's identity.
How to avoid it
- Stay calm and ask to verify the person's identity.
- Keep your belongings under your control.
- Seek help from an established police office if you are unsure.
If it happens to you
Avoid confrontation. Once safe, report the encounter to police and record what the person said, requested or took.
- Get somewhere safe. During a violent robbery, put your safety ahead of your belongings.
- Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or think you were drugged.
- Block stolen cards. If your phone is missing, use another device to lock it and secure important accounts.
- Write down the time, place, agreed price and what happened. Save receipts, messages and any vehicle or company details you already have.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi problems, also contact the company; in Cochabamba, report overcharging to 800-14-0201.
- Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need help, your embassy or consulate. Keep copies of reports and receipts.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/travel2026Tourist scam in BoliviaA traveller reported a woman in ordinary clothes displaying a police badge and staging document and drug checks to steal valuables.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/travel2026After 13 years of traveling, I finally got robbedA Santa Cruz visitor reported being targeted by an alleged undercover officer who used immigration and narcotics allegations to facilitate robbery.Read on Reddit
- Travel blogCrime and safety in Bolivia | Rough GuidesRough Guides describes plainclothes police impersonators using fake documents and an accomplice to demand inspection of tourists’ cash.Read on Travel blog
Questions
What is the plain-clothed police impersonation scam in Bolivia?
A person in ordinary clothes poses as a police officer. The exact demands and sequence of the scam are not described.
How can I spot it early?
A person in ordinary clothes approaches you claiming to be a police officer. You cannot independently confirm the person's identity.
How do I avoid plain-clothed police impersonation in Bolivia?
Stay calm and ask to verify the person's identity. Keep your belongings under your control. Seek help from an established police office if you are unsure.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid confrontation. Once safe, report the encounter to police and record what the person said, requested or took.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
It has been reported in La Paz, Cochabamba.
How common is this scam in Bolivia?
Occasional. Tourist theft and scams are a concern in Bolivia, especially in crowded areas and around tourist transport. Main risks include pickpockets, fake taxis, fare overcharging, dishonest money exchange and distraction theft. Some incidents are more serious, including taxi robberies and passengers being drugged on overnight buses.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery, impersonation or suspected fraud once you are safe. Give the location, time, description and any evidence. Ask for a written report for insurance. Cochabamba municipal taxi-overcharging service: call the toll-free number 800-14-0201 to report taxi overcharging. Taxi company or dispatcher: give the company the journey details and any vehicle information. In Cochabamba, a radio-taxi dispatcher can also be asked to confirm the fare. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's verified contact number to block a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for a stolen passport or serious incident. Embassies are based in La Paz, and some countries also have consulates in Santa Cruz. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's claims or assistance service. Keep police paperwork, receipts and other evidence. Hotel or hostel reception: report a bag theft during check-in immediately. Ask staff to record what happened and help you contact police.
Reviewed by @snuck