Scam in BoliviaTheft
Spill-and-clean distraction theft in Bolivia
How it works
One person spills something on your clothes. While you or that person wipes it away, an accomplice steals your wallet or slashes your bag.
Warning signs
- Someone suddenly spills something on you.
- A stranger immediately tries to wipe your clothes.
- Another person moves close to your bag during the distraction.
How to avoid it
- Keep hold of your bag and cover your pockets.
- Decline help with cleaning.
- Move to a safe place before checking or cleaning your clothes.
If it happens to you
Step away from the group and check your bag, pockets and straps. If anything is missing, secure your cards and report the theft.
- 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.
- Travel blogBoliviaBella traveller contributionsBolivia Travel Tips: Theft awareness - be aware of new robbery techniqueContributors described dirt or mustard distractions in La Paz, including a purported cleanup that ended with a camera bag being stolen.Read on Travel blog
- Travel blogCrime and safety in Bolivia | Rough GuidesRough Guides describes thieves spraying clothing or bags with mustard and offering cleanup assistance while an accomplice steals possessions.Read on Travel blog
- TripadvisorBolivia ForumQ: price of cameras in Bolivia? - Bolivia Forum - TripadvisorA La Paz contributor warned that thieves use a supposed mustard stain on a traveller’s back as a distraction.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the spill-and-clean distraction theft scam in Bolivia?
One person spills something on your clothes. While you or that person wipes it away, an accomplice steals your wallet or slashes your bag.
How can I spot it early?
Someone suddenly spills something on you. A stranger immediately tries to wipe your clothes. Another person moves close to your bag during the distraction.
How do I avoid spill-and-clean distraction theft in Bolivia?
Keep hold of your bag and cover your pockets. Decline help with cleaning. Move to a safe place before checking or cleaning your clothes.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Step away from the group and check your bag, pockets and straps. If anything is missing, secure your cards and report the theft.
Where in Bolivia does this happen?
Crowded areas of La Paz. It has been reported in La Paz.
How common is this scam in Bolivia?
Common. 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.
Are there similar scams in Bolivia?
Yes: pickpocketing in crowds.
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