Scam in ArgentinaTheft
Theft from bags left out of reach in Argentina
How it works
A thief takes a bag or its contents while it hangs behind your chair or sits unattended. In Mendoza, thieves may take bags that arriving passengers put down.
Warning signs
- Your bag hangs from the back of a chair.
- You have put luggage down without keeping hold of it.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag between your feet while eating.
- Use a chair's bag clip where one is provided.
- Keep hold of luggage when arriving at a terminal.
- Use a lock on your bags.
If it happens to you
Tell nearby staff and report the theft. Freeze missing cards promptly.
- Get somewhere safe. If threatened, hand over valuables and avoid resistance.
- Check for injuries. Call police for immediate danger or an ambulance if medical help is needed.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your bank. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Save evidence, including receipts, messages, vehicle details and the time and place. Do not confront or chase anyone.
- Report the incident to police or Tourist Police. Request a written report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
Questions
What is the theft from bags left out of reach scam in Argentina?
A thief takes a bag or its contents while it hangs behind your chair or sits unattended. In Mendoza, thieves may take bags that arriving passengers put down.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag hangs from the back of a chair. You have put luggage down without keeping hold of it.
How do I avoid theft from bags left out of reach in Argentina?
Keep your bag between your feet while eating. Use a chair's bag clip where one is provided. Keep hold of luggage when arriving at a terminal. Use a lock on your bags.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell nearby staff and report the theft. Freeze missing cards promptly.
Where in Argentina does this happen?
Cafes and restaurants across Argentina, and around Mendoza's bus terminal, especially after early-morning arrivals.
How common is this scam in Argentina?
Common. Most visitors travel in Argentina without an incident, but petty theft and tourist scams are worth preparing for. Watch for pickpockets, distraction theft, taxi fare tricks and street money exchanges, especially in Buenos Aires and around busy transport terminals.
Are there similar scams in Argentina?
Yes: pickpocketing, distraction theft, mustard or cream distraction.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 911 for an emergency. In some smaller cities, the police number may be 101. Report theft or robbery and request a written record. Tourist Police in Buenos Aires: visit Corrientes 436. Call 0800 999 5000 within Argentina or +54 11 4346 5748. Email turista@policiafederal.gov.ar. Assistance is available in English, Italian, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian. Tourist Ombudsman in Buenos Aires: call +54 11 4302 7816 or visit Ave. Pedro de Mendoza 1835, at the Benito Quinquela Martin Museum in La Boca. Listed hours are daily, 10:00–18:00. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze 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 help replacing travel documents. Airline and airport staff: report theft from checked luggage promptly. Keep your baggage tags and ask for a written incident record. Travel insurer: follow your policy's claim process. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Argentina?
Police and general emergencies: 911, Police in some smaller cities: 101, Ambulance; SAME in Buenos Aires: 107, Fire service: 100, Tourist Police: +54 11 4346 5748, Tourist Police, within Argentina: 0800 999 5000.
Reviewed by @snuck