Street Scams in Bogotá, Colombia
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Bogotá — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, and Medellín.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
4
Street Scams Scams
11
Total in Bogotá
How it works
La Candelaria (the historic colonial centre) is a beautiful area and one of Bogotá's highest pickpocket zones. Tourist cameras and phones are primary targets, especially at viewpoints like Monserrate.
How it works
Men claiming to be plainclothes police or Interpol agents approach tourists, claiming to check for counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They ask to examine wallets and passports, then steal cash or use distraction techniques.
How it works
Plain-clothes individuals claiming to be anti-narcotics police demand to inspect tourists' bags and wallets. Real Colombian National Police do not carry out street wallet inspections on tourists.
How it works
Thieves on motorcycles or on foot target pedestrians using smartphones in the Chapinero neighborhood, particularly along Carrera 7 and around the Chapinero Alto and LGBT-friendly bar strip on Calle 62. The snatch typically happens in seconds — a rider pulls alongside the sidewalk, a passenger grabs the phone, and the motorcycle accelerates before the victim can react. The area sees heightened incidents on weekend nights when foot traffic and distraction levels are high.
See all scams in Bogotá
11 total warnings across all categories