Scam in ColombiaTheft
Street mugging and robbery targeting visible valuables in Colombia
How it works
Robbers threaten visitors and take their belongings. In Bogotá, muggers may carry knives or guns. In Cali, using a phone in the street or showing jewellery and cash can attract robbers.
Warning signs
- You are walking along a quiet or isolated street at night.
- Your phone, jewellery or cash is clearly visible.
- Locals warn you that the area is unsafe.
How to avoid it
- Keep phones, jewellery and cash out of sight.
- Avoid isolated streets after dark.
- Use a booked taxi for journeys at night in Cali.
- Avoid backstreets in Cali's El Centro and Sucre neighbourhoods.
If it happens to you
Do not fight an armed robber. Hand over what they demand and seek help once you are safe.
- 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.
- Redditr/Colombia2022I got jumped in cartagenaA tourist describes attackers attempting to take a companion’s phone and snatching the tourist’s chain after harassing their group in Cartagena.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceSafety and security - Colombia travel advice - GOV.UKThe FCDO reports gunpoint robberies of British nationals and warns against displaying expensive-looking jewellery or watches.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the street mugging and robbery targeting visible valuables scam in Colombia?
Robbers threaten visitors and take their belongings. In Bogotá, muggers may carry knives or guns. In Cali, using a phone in the street or showing jewellery and cash can attract robbers.
How can I spot it early?
You are walking along a quiet or isolated street at night. Your phone, jewellery or cash is clearly visible. Locals warn you that the area is unsafe.
How do I avoid street mugging and robbery targeting visible valuables in Colombia?
Keep phones, jewellery and cash out of sight. Avoid isolated streets after dark. Use a booked taxi for journeys at night in Cali. Avoid backstreets in Cali's El Centro and Sucre neighbourhoods.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight an armed robber. Hand over what they demand and seek help once you are safe.
Where in Colombia does this happen?
Some Bogotá neighbourhoods; quiet streets and the outskirts of Cartagena; downtown backstreets, Sucre and Avenida Sexta in Cali It has been reported in Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali.
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: pickpocketing, being followed and robbed after an ATM withdrawal, robbery on intercity bus routes.
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