Scam in ColombiaOn the street
Unasked-for help followed by a tip demand in Colombia
How it works
Someone walks with you to a shop or performs another small task that you never requested. They then ask for a tip and may follow you aggressively.
Warning signs
- A stranger starts accompanying you without being asked.
- They claim payment for a small favour you did not request.
- They keep following after you decline.
How to avoid it
- Politely refuse unwanted help straight away.
- Do not encourage an unsolicited escort by giving money.
- Take extra care in Getsemaní at night.
If it happens to you
Stay polite and decline the demand. Avoid an argument or physical confrontation.
- 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.
Questions
What is the unasked-for help followed by a tip demand scam in Colombia?
Someone walks with you to a shop or performs another small task that you never requested. They then ask for a tip and may follow you aggressively.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger starts accompanying you without being asked. They claim payment for a small favour you did not request. They keep following after you decline.
How do I avoid unasked-for help followed by a tip demand in Colombia?
Politely refuse unwanted help straight away. Do not encourage an unsolicited escort by giving money. Take extra care in Getsemaní at night.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay polite and decline the demand. Avoid an argument or physical confrontation.
Where in Colombia does this happen?
Getsemaní, especially at night It has been reported in Cartagena.
How common is this scam in Colombia?
Common. 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: aggressive begging and demands for coins.
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