Colombia is one of the most breathtaking countries in South America — but like any major travel destination, it has its fair share of tourist traps and outright scams.
The good news?
Most of them are completely avoidable once you know what to look for.
This guide breaks down the top scams to avoid in Colombia, city by city and situation by situation, so you can travel with confidence instead of paranoia.
📋 At a Glance: Colombia Scams Quick Summary
- Fake police: Don’t show your passport or wallet — offer to go to a police station instead
- Taxi scams: Always use Uber, InDrive, or a pre-booked transfer
- Scopolamine (“Devil’s Breath”): Never accept drinks from strangers
- Gringo pricing: Always agree on a price before any service
- Bar tab scams: Prices hidden until after the bill arrives — sometimes hundreds of dollars
- ATM skimming: Use bank ATMs only, cover your PIN
- Fake tour guides: Book through verified platforms like GetYourGuide
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Why Scams Happen in Colombia
Tourism in Colombia has exploded over the last decade.
And with that growth comes opportunity — for both legitimate businesses and scammers.
Most scams target people who look wealthy, distracted, or unfamiliar with local customs — which, let’s be honest, describes most tourists on day one.
The solution isn’t to stay home.
It’s to read this guide, stay alert, and travel smart.
The Most Common Scams to Avoid in Colombia
1. Fake or Corrupt Police Officers
This one is particularly dangerous because it exploits the trust you naturally place in authority figures.
Criminals dressed as police (or actual corrupt officers) approach tourists and demand to inspect their passports, wallets, or cash — claiming they’re checking for counterfeit bills or drugs.
Once your wallet is in their hands, money disappears fast.
How to avoid it: Never hand over your original passport — carry a laminated photocopy instead.
If stopped, calmly offer to walk to the nearest police station (called a CAI in Colombia).
A legitimate officer won’t hesitate. A scammer will.
2. Scopolamine — “Devil’s Breath”
This is one of the most dangerous scams in Colombia, full stop.
Scopolamine (also called burundanga) is a powerful drug that causes memory loss and makes victims completely compliant.
It’s typically slipped into drinks by seemingly friendly strangers — often on dating apps or in bars.
Victims can be robbed, forced to empty their bank accounts, or worse — and remember nothing.
How to avoid it: Never leave your drink unattended, never accept drinks from strangers, and be extremely cautious with anyone who approaches you with unusual enthusiasm.
3. Unmarked & Fake Taxis
Getting into an unmarked taxi in Colombia is one of the fastest ways to ruin your trip.
In the best case, you’ll be severely overcharged.
In the worst case, you won’t reach your destination safely.
How to avoid it: Use Uber, InDrive, or book a pre-arranged airport transfer when you arrive.
If you must use a taxi, look for the official registration card displayed beside the driver’s seat.
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4. ATM Skimming
Card skimming at ATMs is a documented problem across Colombia’s major cities.
Scammers install fake card readers or hidden cameras to steal your card details and PIN.
How to avoid it: Only use ATMs located inside banks or major shopping centers — never standalone machines on the street.
Cover your PIN every single time, and check your bank statements frequently while traveling.
5. Gringo Pricing (Overcharging)
Welcome to the unofficial “tourist tax.”
If you look foreign, some vendors — especially taxi drivers, market sellers, and street food stalls — will quote you a higher price.
It’s not always malicious, but it adds up fast.
How to avoid it: Always confirm the price before any service or purchase.
Ask a local or your hotel what the fair rate should be, and don’t be shy about negotiating.
6. The Bar Tab Scam
Tourists in Cartagena — and increasingly in Medellín — have been handed bar bills for hundreds of dollars for a few drinks.
The menus either show no prices or bury them in fine print, and the staff becomes hostile if you push back.
One documented case in Cartagena saw tourists charged $650 USD for drinks.
How to avoid it: Always ask for a menu with prices before ordering anything.
If no prices are listed, that’s your cue to leave.
Book nightlife experiences through vetted platforms — GetYourGuide’s Medellín nightlife tours include reputable venues with transparent pricing.
[CTA: Book a Vetted Nightlife Experience in Medellín →]
7. Fake Tour Guides
At popular attractions across Colombia, you’ll likely be approached within minutes by people offering to be your guide.
Many are unlicensed and will demand inflated payment once the “tour” ends.
How to avoid it: Book your tours in advance through verified platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator, where guides are vetted and prices are transparent.
💡 Pro Tip: Your hotel concierge is also a great resource for recommending legitimate local guides — they typically have established relationships with trustworthy operators.
8. The “Pay Whatever You Want” Scam
A street vendor — often a shoe shiner or bracelet seller — offers their service without naming a price, saying “pay what you think it’s worth.”
Once they’re done, they demand an outrageous amount.
And because they’ve already shined your shoes or tied a bracelet on your wrist, you’re in an awkward spot.
How to avoid it: Never accept a service without agreeing on a price first. Walk away if a vendor refuses to name a price upfront.
9. The Free Gift Scam
Someone approaches you in a tourist area, tells a sympathetic story, and ties a bracelet onto your wrist — calling it a “free gift.”
The second it’s on, they demand 50,000–100,000 COP (roughly $12–$24 USD) — and they won’t let you leave easily.
How to avoid it: Firmly say “no, gracias” and keep walking.
Don’t engage, don’t let them touch you, and don’t feel guilty.
10. The Bird Poop Scam
Someone “accidentally” spills something on you — mustard, bird droppings (real or fake), ice cream — and then a “helpful” stranger rushes over to clean it up.
While one person distracts you, the other picks your pocket.
How to avoid it: If this happens, immediately grab your bag and step away.
Decline any help, find a safe spot, and check your belongings.
11. Distraction Theft
Whether it’s someone handing you a flyer, starting an argument, or staging a dramatic scene nearby — distraction theft is one of the most common street scams in Bogotá and Medellín.
Your attention goes one direction; your phone or wallet goes another.
How to avoid it: Keep your phone in your pocket in busy areas, use a crossbody anti-theft bag, and stay aware of your surroundings.
If something unusual is happening right next to you, that’s often the point.
12. Counterfeit Money
You pay for something with a large bill, and you get fake notes back as change.
This happens frequently in taxis and busy markets.
How to avoid it: Carry smaller denominations whenever possible — try to avoid paying with 50,000 or 100,000 COP notes.
Learn to spot genuine Colombian currency before your trip.
13. Romantic Scams (“Gold Diggers”)
Medellín in particular attracts many expats and digital nomads — and with that comes a well-documented pattern of locals (not exclusively women) who target foreigners for financial gain.
This ranges from running up tabs on your credit card to more elaborate long-con schemes.
How to avoid it: Take your time getting to know people. Be cautious if someone new seems unusually eager to help you spend money.
Learning even basic Spanish goes a long way — it reduces your dependence on others and flags when someone is being evasive.
14. Real Estate Investment Scams
If you’re thinking about buying property in Colombia, be aware — this is a minefield for foreigners.
Sellers may misrepresent ownership, hide serious defects, or dramatically inflate prices.
How to avoid it: Always work with a licensed, reputable real estate agent and conduct thorough due diligence before signing anything.
Never wire money or make deposits without an independent legal review.
15. The “Helpful” Stranger
Someone approaches you, offers to help you find your hotel, recommends the best place to eat, or helps you navigate — then expects a hefty tip at the end.
It’s a fine line, since genuine Colombian hospitality is very real, and many people are just being kind.
How to avoid it: Trust your gut.
A polite but firm “no, gracias” is all you need. If they keep pushing after that, walk away.
City-by-City Scam Hotspots
| City | Most Common Scams | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | Fake police, distraction theft, taxi scams | Use Uber; avoid La Candelaria at night |
| Medellín | Romantic scams, bar tab scams, scopolamine | Book nightlife through vetted tours |
| Cartagena | Gringo pricing, Palenquera photo fees, bar bills | Agree prices upfront; book tours via GetYourGuide |
| Cali | Street theft, taxi scams | Use InDrive or Uber exclusively |
| Santa Marta | Fake guides, beach vendors | Pre-book Tayrona tours |
💡 Pro Tip: Get a local SIM card as soon as you land — having data means you can always pull up Uber or Google Maps instead of depending on strangers. Check out Claro or Tigo for affordable prepaid plans.
Is Colombia Still Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Millions of tourists visit Colombia every year without any issues.
The scams listed here are avoidable — they target distracted, unprepared travelers.
A little awareness goes a long way in a country this spectacular.
[CTA: Compare Hotels in Colombia →]
💡 Pro Tip: Travel insurance is non-negotiable in Colombia. A good policy covers theft, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations — make sure yours does all three before you fly. [Compare travel insurance plans here →]
FAQ: Scams to Avoid in Colombia
Colombia has improved significantly in terms of safety over the past two decades, and millions of tourists visit without incidents every year.
That said, petty theft and scams are common in major cities, so staying alert matters.
Scopolamine (“Devil’s Breath”) is widely considered the most dangerous scam — it causes memory loss and leaves victims completely vulnerable to robbery or worse.
Never accept drinks from people you don’t know.
Cartagena is generally safe in the tourist areas, but bar tab scams and gringo pricing are rampant.
Book activities in advance and always confirm prices before ordering or starting any service.
Yes — Uber, InDrive, and Cabify are the safest ways to get around Colombia’s cities.
Avoid unmarked taxis entirely, especially in Bogotá and Medellín.
Don’t hand over your wallet or passport.
Calmly offer to walk to the nearest police station (CAI) — a legitimate officer will agree, and a scammer almost always won’t.
Yes, but stick to ATMs inside banks and major shopping malls.
Cover your PIN, check your card slot for tampering, and monitor your account daily while traveling.
