Traffic-stop bribe requests in Argentina: how to avoid it

How it works

A police officer asks for a bribe during a traffic stop. The guide describes these requests as often occurring, though officers are reportedly not very pushy.

Warning signs

An officer asks for an informal payment during a stop.
The payment request has no clear official paperwork.

How to avoid it

Stay calm and polite.
Ask for the official procedure and written details of any fine.
Avoid offering an informal payment.

If it happens to you

Avoid confrontation. Once safe, record the time, place and officer details you could safely note, then report the request.

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.

What travellers report

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

Questions

What is the traffic-stop bribe requests scam in Argentina?

A police officer asks for a bribe during a traffic stop. The guide describes these requests as often occurring, though officers are reportedly not very pushy.

How can I spot it early?

An officer asks for an informal payment during a stop. The payment request has no clear official paperwork.

How do I avoid traffic-stop bribe requests in Argentina?

Stay calm and polite. Ask for the official procedure and written details of any fine. Avoid offering an informal payment.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Avoid confrontation. Once safe, record the time, place and officer details you could safely note, then report the request.

Where in Argentina does this happen?

Traffic stops.

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.

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.