Scam in ColombiaTaxis
Taxi driver leaving with luggage in Colombia
How it works
A driver leaves as soon as the passenger gets out, while the passenger's luggage is still in the boot.
Warning signs
- You are outside the taxi while your luggage remains inside.
How to avoid it
- Arrange to unload your luggage as you leave the taxi.
- Do not leave belongings in the taxi while stepping away.
If it happens to you
- 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.
- News2026Cayó el taxista que se llevó el equipaje de turista italiano frente al Castillo San FelipeThe newspaper reports that a Cartagena taxi driver left with an Italian tourist’s luggage while the passenger stopped at an ATM, and police subsequently recovered the belongings.Read on News
- News2026Capturan a taxista señalado de llevarse equipaje de turista italiano en CartagenaCaracol reports the arrest of a driver accused of disappearing with an Italian visitor’s luggage after the passenger temporarily left the taxi.Read on News
Questions
What is the taxi driver leaving with luggage scam in Colombia?
A driver leaves as soon as the passenger gets out, while the passenger's luggage is still in the boot.
How can I spot it early?
You are outside the taxi while your luggage remains inside.
How do I avoid taxi driver leaving with luggage in Colombia?
Arrange to unload your luggage as you leave the taxi. Do not leave belongings in the taxi while stepping away.
Where in Colombia does this happen?
When getting out of a taxi It has been reported in 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: taxi fare overcharging, taxi detours and waiting-charge tricks, paseo Millonario taxi robbery.
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