Street Scams in La Paz, Bolivia
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in La Paz — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in La Paz
How it works
Individuals in fake uniforms or with counterfeit police ID stop tourists near the Witches' Market and San Francisco church demanding to inspect passports or wallets for "counterfeit bills," pocketing cash during the inspection.
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) on Calle Linares and on nearby Sagárnaga Street, claiming to be investigating counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They demand to inspect wallets, passports, and bags. Once the wallet is in their hands, cash is palmed or swapped for worthless notes before it is returned. Accomplices may distract the victim during the handover.
How it works
Crowded minibuses (micros) on routes through the city center are a common pickpocket hotspot, with thieves working in teams on busy routes to El Alto market.
See all scams in La Paz
10 total warnings across all categories