Be Aware of These Genius Tourist Scams in Colombia 🇨🇴

Colombia is a dream destination for many travelers, known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming people. During our four-year journey through South America, my partner Paul and I spent six months in Colombia—noticing something unique about its tourism scene.

Unlike many other countries, Colombia sees a high number of visitors from the United States. This has shaped how locals perceive Western travelers—often assuming they are wealthy American tourists. As budget-conscious travelers, we prefer to keep expenses low, but since locals didn’t immediately recognize that, we encountered our fair share of tourist traps firsthand.

 

Here’s what we learned about common scams in Colombia and how we avoided them.

 

1. Corrupt or Fake Police

Tourists in Colombia may encounter fake or corrupt police officers demanding to check their documents or money. We were once stopped on a countryside street by a man with a rifle—only to realize he wasn’t even wearing a proper uniform and was just begging for money.

This can also happen in cities, where fake or corrupt officers stop travelers, check their pockets, and may steal cash or even plant drugs to demand a bribe. If this happens, ask for additional officers on police bikes to be present or suggest going to a nearby police station or hotel. It’s also safer to carry only a photocopy of your passport. Paul and I both had our IDs and passport laminated in credit card format, and we never give away our original documents.

For those driving their own car, as we do, police stops can take a long time. While we were never directly targeted, a fellow overlander told us about a disturbing incident: after one routine stop, another officer later “found” a bullet in their bag—something they hadn’t put there.

During our stops, we noticed strange behavior. Officers would repeatedly pull a flashlight in and out of their pants pocket while searching our bags—almost as if they could slip something inside. At one particularly long stop, I stood right next to the officer checking our bags while Paul spoke to another officer at the front of the car. Afterward, we emptied everything to ensure nothing had been planted. It may have seemed paranoid, but after hearing that other traveler’s experience, we weren’t taking any chances.

 

2. Short Encounters & Distraction Theft

Scammers may hand out flyers, sell magazines, or create distractions to steal phones or pickpocket tourists. To avoid this, keep valuables secure—don’t leave bags on the backs of chairs or phones on tables. Carry your bag in front with zippers closed, keep it on your lap when seated, and, if possible, loop the strap around a chair leg for extra security.

 

3. Overcharging (Gringo Pricing)

Tourists are often charged higher prices due to their perceived wealth. Always confirm the price before paying—especially for taxis (including airport cabs), street vendors, and restaurants. If negotiating via WhatsApp, take a screenshot and show it upon arrival. Asking a trusted local to inquire about prices beforehand can also help avoid overpaying.

 

4. Switching Banknotes (Taxi Scam)

Some taxi drivers may swap a large bill for a smaller one or return counterfeit money, claiming they have no change. To avoid this, carry small bills and always double-check returned banknotes. Genuine bills have a textured feel and a security image that shifts colors when viewed from different angles.

 

5. Dating Scams

While this doesn’t apply to us, we’ve heard countless stories from fellow travelers. Scammers use fake profiles on dating apps to lure tourists, meet them in person, and rob them. Some build long-term trust, forming relationships that last months or even years—until one careless moment, such as having too much to drink, turns into an opportunity for theft.

To avoid this, stick to reputable dating apps, always meet in public places, and be wary of profiles that show more body than face. Never share passwords or leave valuables unattended with someone you just met.

 

6. Street Scams in Big Cities

Major cities like Medellín and Bogotá attract many tourists—and, unfortunately, many scams. Common tricks include:

• Fake tour guides offering overpriced or fraudulent services.
• Distraction theft, where thieves use flyers, conversations, or staged incidents to steal from distracted victims.
• Counterfeit money given as change, especially in taxis or markets.
• The bird poop scam, where someone “helps” clean a fake spill on your clothing while pickpocketing you.
• Photo scams, where scammers accuse you of breaking their camera and demand money.

Staying alert and knowing these tricks in advance can help you avoid becoming a target.

 

 

Medellín-Specific Scams

 

1. The “Interested Girlfriend” (or Wife!)
Medellín attracts many expats and digital nomads due to its high quality of life. Western tourists are common targets for locals who offer companionship and show them a good time. Some may take advantage of foreigners seeking romance, leading to financial exploitation. While this often involves women, it’s not exclusive to them. To avoid falling for this, learn Spanish so you don’t have to rely entirely on their help, and be cautious if a much younger partner seems overly eager. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially when alone or drinking.

 

2. Scopolamine Sting (“Burundanga” or “The Devil’s Breath”)
This dangerous drug causes memory loss and makes victims highly suggestible. It’s often used to rob tourists, most commonly through spiked drinks given by seemingly friendly women. To stay safe, be cautious on dating apps, avoid overly forward strangers, and never leave your drink unattended.

 

3. Real Estate Scams
Many foreigners want to invest in Colombia, but Medellín’s property market is inflated, and scams are common. Sellers may hide defects, claim to own properties they don’t, or hike prices to increase commissions. Always conduct thorough due diligence and work with a trusted real estate agent.
From our experience, Laureles and El Poblado offer the best quality of life, but they might not be scam-free. By the way, if you’re looking for lower-cost investments, consider Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, where prices are still around $1,000 per square meter and offer strong returns. (More details in this article.)

 

Bogotá-Specific Scams

Bogotá has many street vendors and hustlers who may approach you with “free” services or gifts. Be aware of these common scams:

 

1. The “Pay Whatever” Scam

A street vendor, such as a shoe cleaner, offers their service without mentioning a price, saying you can pay “whatever you think it’s worth.” Once the job is done, they demand an outrageous amount. To avoid this, always agree on a price beforehand.

2. The “Free Gift” Scam

In tourist areas, someone may approach you, speaking some English, and tell a sad story while offering a “free” gift—often a bracelet tied onto your wrist. The moment it’s on, they demand 50,000–100,000 COP ($12–$24 USD) or more. To avoid this, simply say no and walk away.

3. The Bird Poop Scam

A scammer may squirt white paste on you, making it look like bird poop. A “friendly” local will then offer to help clean it up, using the distraction to pick your pockets. If this happens, refuse any help, do not let anyone touch you, and walk away to clean up in a safe place.

4. Tire Trap Scam

While traveling by car, we once encountered a small potato with a spiky nail placed in front of our tire. A “helpful” local pointed it out, likely trying to create a distraction while the car door was open. Always be aware of everyone around you, lock your car when stepping out, and, if traveling with a partner, have one person stay inside. For us, I always stay behind when Paul gets out, keeping an eye on our surroundings.

 

 

 

Staying Safe in Colombia: Avoiding Scams and Common Risks

If you’re traveling to Colombia, being aware of common scams and safety tips will help you stay out of trouble. Here are some key precautions to take:

 

How can I avoid being scammed by corrupt or fake police officers?

• Carry only a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp, keeping the original at your accommodation.
• If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer (especially out of uniform), ask for uniformed officers on motorcycles to be called to witness the procedure.
• Never get into a vehicle with them.
• You can ask for their ID and call local police to verify their identity.

How can I protect my belongings from theft, especially in crowded areas?

• Keep valuables out of sight and never leave them unattended.
• In busy areas or on public transport, carry your backpack or purse in front of you with all zippers closed.
• If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.
• Be mindful of distractions and strangers trying to close the gap between you.
• Use phone accessories that keep your device attached to you.
• I personally carried a decoy wallet with little money—just in case. If someone attempted to rob me, I’d throw it and run. Luckily, this never happened, even when Paul insisted on walking through El Centro (not recommended!). While it was safe years ago, today police actively separate tourists from homeless people and drug addicts in the area.

How can I avoid being overcharged for goods and services?

• Always ask for the price before committing to anything.
• Negotiate, especially with informal vendors.
• Research prices beforehand to get a sense of what’s reasonable.
• Ask locals for recommendations on where to find fairly priced goods and services.
• Watch out for “gringo pricing”—learn basic Spanish to help with negotiations.

What should I know about taxis and ride-hailing services in Colombia?

• Agree on a price before getting into a taxi.
• Prefer ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, or InDrive, where rides are tracked.
• Use offline GPS to ensure you’re going in the right direction.
• Be careful when paying—some drivers may swap your bills for lower denominations or give counterfeit notes.
• Carry small banknotes and avoid accepting help from strangers at ATMs.

What are the risks of accepting drinks or offers from strangers in bars and clubs?

• Beware of drinks or food offered by strangers—they could be spiked with scopolamine or other drugs.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Party with trusted people, avoid prostitutes, and don’t get too intoxicated.
• Decline drinks from strangers unless you saw them being prepared.
• If going to clubs, go with at least one friend to avoid being singled out.

How can I protect myself from card cloning or skimming scams?

• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during business hours.
• Check for tampered card slots or raised keypads before inserting your card.
• Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
• Never let your card out of sight when paying at restaurants or stores.
• Consider using prepaid debit cards or digital payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
• Regularly monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.

 

What does “No dar papaya” mean, and how does it relate to safety in Colombia?

“No dar papaya” is a Colombian expression meaning “don’t make yourself an easy target.” It’s a mindset for staying safe:

• Dress low-key to blend in.
• Don’t flash expensive jewelry, phones, or large amounts of cash.
• Stick to safe transportation options.
• Avoid rural roads at night.
• Stay far away from drugs—getting involved can put you in serious danger.

Colombia is an amazing country, but staying informed and alert will ensure you have a great experience without falling for scams. Stay aware, trust your instincts, and you’ll be fine!

 

Travel Smart, Not Paranoid

So, don’t give them your papaya! You don’t need to be paranoid when traveling in Colombia, but knowing about these common scams in advance will help you recognize and avoid them with ease.

 

 

Colombia was an interesting country to visit, but after nearly five years of traveling across South America, Paul and I narrowed down our top choices for investment and semi-permanent stays: Brazil and Paraguay. Like many other expats, we obtained permanent residency in Paraguay, which allows us to travel freely by car throughout the region. The process was fast and low-cost, and unlike Colombia, Paraguay doesn’t require us to stay six months per year to maintain residency—just a visit once every three years. This setup gives us tax advantages and a home base in one of the most stable countries in South America.

If you’re curious about the best places to live in South America, expat life, retiring, visa options, or tax optimization, you can schedule a free call with Paul or me to learn how we did it. Safe travels! 🚀

 

Travel journalist specializing in reporting on the best places for travelers in South America.

4+ years, 350+ hotels, 65.000 km by car

 

🇨🇴 COLOMBIA: Interested in visa and investment opportunities? Read this!

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