Scam in EcuadorTaxis
Unlicensed taxi kidnapping risk in Ecuador
How it works
An unlicensed vehicle offers a taxi ride. Taking one can expose passengers to kidnapping.
Warning signs
- No taxi licence number is prominently displayed.
- You cannot confirm that the vehicle is a licensed taxi.
How to avoid it
- Use licensed taxis with a clearly displayed taxi licence number.
- Check the vehicle before getting in.
- Ask your accommodation to help you find a licensed taxi if you are unsure.
If it happens to you
If threatened, prioritise your safety and avoid physical resistance. Seek police help as soon as you can do so safely.
- Get to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or risk injury over belongings.
- Check for injuries and seek medical care if needed.
- Block stolen cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts and remotely lock a stolen phone if possible.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report the incident to police or tourist police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, 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.
- Government adviceSafety and security - Ecuador travel advice - GOV.UKThe FCDO reports express kidnappings involving passengers who hailed registered or illegal taxis from the street and were held while criminals accessed their money.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceEcuador travel adviceCanada reports express kidnappings sometimes involving taxi or rideshare drivers collaborating with gangs and recommends reputable companies instead of street-hailed taxis.Read on Government advice
- Redditr/ecuador2026Safe to travel to ecuador?A commenter describes a kidnapping tactic in which a fake or complicit taxi driver picks up accomplices who force the passenger to visit ATMs.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the unlicensed taxi kidnapping risk scam in Ecuador?
An unlicensed vehicle offers a taxi ride. Taking one can expose passengers to kidnapping.
How can I spot it early?
No taxi licence number is prominently displayed. You cannot confirm that the vehicle is a licensed taxi.
How do I avoid unlicensed taxi kidnapping risk in Ecuador?
Use licensed taxis with a clearly displayed taxi licence number. Check the vehicle before getting in. Ask your accommodation to help you find a licensed taxi if you are unsure.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If threatened, prioritise your safety and avoid physical resistance. Seek police help as soon as you can do so safely.
Where in Ecuador does this happen?
Country-wide
How common is this scam in Ecuador?
Occasional. Theft is the main concern for visitors to Ecuador, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Tourists may also face higher shopping prices, taxi fare disputes and theft by people selling goods on buses. Unlicensed taxis and remote hiking routes carry more serious risks.
Are there similar scams in Ecuador?
Yes: taxi fare overcharging.
Who can I report it to?
Police or tourist police: report theft, robbery, kidnapping or threats once you are safe. Give the location, time and a clear account of what happened. Ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block stolen cards and report any unauthorised payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through your policy details. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence for a claim.
Reviewed by @snuck