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Common in Peru

Scam in PeruTaxis

Taxi robbery or kidnapping in Peru

Informal taxis, especially around airports, bus stations and unsafe neighbourhoods.

How it works

A driver takes you somewhere other than your destination, where accomplices may be waiting. Someone may already be hiding in the vehicle. Travellers have been robbed, blindfolded, driven outside the city and abandoned.

Warning signs

  • An unknown driver presses you to take a ride.
  • Someone else is in the car or the driver cannot explain the route.
  • The offered fare is unusually low.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask your hotel or hostel to arrange a trusted taxi.
  2. At Lima airport, book and pay at a taxi desk inside the arrivals area.
  3. Check the back seat and trunk before entering.
  4. Keep your phone and passport hidden, and know your route.

If it happens to you

If you feel uneasy before any threat, leave the taxi at a safe, busy place. If threatened with a weapon, avoid resistance and seek help once you are safe.

  1. Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone is threatening you, prioritise your safety over belongings.
  2. For immediate danger or injury, call emergency services. Avoid chasing thieves or confronting armed people.
  3. Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Lock a stolen phone and secure affected accounts.
  4. Save receipts, booking messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and any vehicle details you safely remember.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask how to obtain a report copy. Keep the report for insurance or a payment dispute.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
Where it happensInformal taxis, especially around airports, bus stations and unsafe neighbourhoods.Lima, Arequipa

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in PeruArrival touts steering you to another hotel or seller: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi robbery or kidnapping scam in Peru?

A driver takes you somewhere other than your destination, where accomplices may be waiting. Someone may already be hiding in the vehicle. Travellers have been robbed, blindfolded, driven outside the city and abandoned.

How can I spot it early?

An unknown driver presses you to take a ride. Someone else is in the car or the driver cannot explain the route. The offered fare is unusually low.

How do I avoid taxi robbery or kidnapping in Peru?

Ask your hotel or hostel to arrange a trusted taxi. At Lima airport, book and pay at a taxi desk inside the arrivals area. Check the back seat and trunk before entering. Keep your phone and passport hidden, and know your route.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you feel uneasy before any threat, leave the taxi at a safe, busy place. If threatened with a weapon, avoid resistance and seek help once you are safe.

Where in Peru does this happen?

Informal taxis, especially around airports, bus stations and unsafe neighbourhoods. It has been reported in Lima, Arequipa.

How common is this scam in Peru?

Common. Petty theft is a concern in Peru, and armed robberies of tourists are described as fairly common. Taxi robberies, inflated fares, misleading touts and false money are the main risks to prepare for. Choose transport carefully, check prices before paying and keep valuables out of sight.

Are there similar scams in Peru?

Yes: inflated taxi fares, taxi price quoted without a currency, taxi fare changed to a price per person.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: dial 911 for an emergency. The older number 105 can also connect you with police. Tourist police: ask tourist police for help in person. They are described as wearing white shirts and normally speaking English. They are present in downtown Arequipa. Police: report theft, robbery or fraud and request a report. To obtain a copy, the stated process requires paying S/3 at Banco de la Nación during working days. Serenazgo: in Lima and some larger cities, ask this local police service for help. It does not provide tourist-focused services. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or contact number to block cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance team. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses. Transport company, booking seller or shop: raise a complaint through the business's official contact channel. Provide your receipt, booking details and the price or service you agreed.

What number do I call in an emergency in Peru?

All emergency services: 911, Police, older number: 105.

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