Scam in GuatemalaTaxis
Taxi kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals in Guatemala
How it works
A criminal driver picks up accomplices during the ride. They hold the passenger and may force them to withdraw money from an ATM.
Warning signs
- The taxi was hailed on the street rather than booked through a trusted contact.
- The driver stops to collect people you did not agree to travel with.
How to avoid it
- Arrange transport through your hotel or another trusted business.
- Use radio-dispatched Taxi Amarillo or Uber.
- Avoid unknown street-hailed taxis.
If it happens to you
Do not fight or make sudden moves. Follow demands while threatened. Once released and safe, contact police and your bank.
- Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone threatens you with a weapon, do not resist.
- Check whether anyone is injured. Seek medical help if needed.
- Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed withdrawals. Lock a stolen phone remotely and contact your mobile provider.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, vehicle details and amounts. Save receipts and screenshots without confronting the person involved.
- Report the incident to police. In Antigua, ask the Tourist Police for help. Request a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need serious assistance, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the taxi kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals scam in Guatemala?
A criminal driver picks up accomplices during the ride. They hold the passenger and may force them to withdraw money from an ATM.
How can I spot it early?
The taxi was hailed on the street rather than booked through a trusted contact. The driver stops to collect people you did not agree to travel with.
How do I avoid taxi kidnapping and forced ATM withdrawals in Guatemala?
Arrange transport through your hotel or another trusted business. Use radio-dispatched Taxi Amarillo or Uber. Avoid unknown street-hailed taxis.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not fight or make sudden moves. Follow demands while threatened. Once released and safe, contact police and your bank.
Where in Guatemala does this happen?
Street-hailed taxis across Guatemala
How common is this scam in Guatemala?
Common. The main risks in Guatemala are theft, armed robbery, unsafe taxi rides and inflated fares. Phone theft is especially common, while some cash machines in Flores have reported fee and withdrawal problems. Risk varies by place: Antigua's centre is safer in daylight, and Flores island is described as very safe.
Are there similar scams in Guatemala?
Yes: inflated taxi and tuk-tuk fares, unlicensed or stolen white taxis, tuk-tuk diversion to a robbery.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft, kidnapping or fraud once you are safe. Ask your accommodation to help you reach police and request a written report or reference number. Tourist Police in Antigua: ask for help with an incident in Antigua. Your accommodation can help you find them. Card issuer or bank: use the contact details in your banking app or on your card. Freeze stolen cards and report ATM debits without cash or other disputed transactions. Taxi Amarillo / Amarillo Express: for a complaint about a booked ride, contact 1766 or servicioalcliente@amarilloexpress.com. Keep your booking and trip details. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen, someone is being held or you need serious assistance. Travel insurer: use your policy's assistance or claims contact. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses.
Reviewed by @snuck