Question 1

What is the "Fake Police Wallet Inspection at Mercado de las Brujas" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

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. Legitimate Bolivian police do not conduct random wallet inspections on the street. If approached, refuse politely and move toward a busy public area or enter a nearby shop. Ask to see a uniformed officer or request that any inspection takes place at an official police station. Never hand over your wallet, passport, or bag to anyone claiming to be plainclothes police.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Police Shakedown" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

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. Bolivian law requires fines to be paid at a bank, never on the street. Ask to go to the nearest police station — real officers will agree.

Question 3

What is the "Pickpocketing on Minibuses" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

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. Use a money belt or front pockets on all public transport. Keep bags zipped and worn in front — never on your back on a crowded bus.

Question 4

What is the "Aggressive Shoe-Shiner Overcharge" scam in La Paz?

Accepted Answer

Shoe-shiners near Plaza Murillo and the Central Market approach tourists offering shoe-shines for what sounds like a fair price, then demand ten times the agreed amount upon completion, sometimes with an aggressive crowd gathering. Variants include spilling shoe polish on shoes or clothing intentionally, then offering to clean it for an inflated fee. Agree on the price in writing or with coins before the shine begins, and confirm whether the price shown is per shoe or total. If polish is spilled on you, decline all help from the person who spilled it and walk away.

Street Scams in La Paz

Fake Police Wallet Inspection at Mercado de las Brujas

Fake Police Shakedown

Pickpocketing on Minibuses

Aggressive Shoe-Shiner Overcharge

Experienced a scam here?