Question 1

What is the "Fake Police Officer Wallet Inspection" scam in Lima?

Accepted Answer

Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists in central Lima and Miraflores, claiming to be investigating counterfeit currency or drug trafficking. They demand to inspect your wallet and passport as part of a supposed check, then palm cash or replace your genuine bills with counterfeits while appearing to verify them. Peru is the world's largest producer of counterfeit US dollars per the US Secret Service, making this pretext highly convincing to tourists. Real Peruvian police will not conduct wallet inspections on the street. If approached, do not hand over your wallet or passport — insist on walking together to the nearest official police station (Policía de Turismo). Ask to see official identification and write down the officer's name and badge number.

Question 2

What is the "Fraudulent "Tourist Police" Fine Collection" scam in Lima?

Accepted Answer

Individuals posing as plainclothes tourist police approach travellers in Barranco and San Isidro claiming the visitor has violated a local ordinance — typically photographing a restricted area or littering — and demand an on-the-spot cash fine. Real tourist police (POLTUR) do not collect cash fines in the street and always carry clearly visible official identification. Ask to see official identification and badge number. Offer to accompany the officer to the nearest police station. Do not hand over cash or your passport on the street. Call 105 (Peru National Police) to verify.

Question 3

What is the "Pickpockets in Miraflores Parque Kennedy" scam in Lima?

Accepted Answer

Despite being in upmarket Miraflores, Parque Kennedy is a tourist hotspot with pickpocket activity, particularly after dark and during busy weekend craft markets. Keep bags zipped and in front of your body. Avoid displaying phones or cameras in the park at night.

Question 4

What is the "Mustard and Substance Distraction Theft" scam in Lima?

Accepted Answer

In Miraflores near Parque Kennedy and along the Larcomar restaurant strip, individuals approach tourists claiming a substance — mustard, bird droppings, or paint — has landed on their back or bag. While one person gestures to help clean it, an accomplice steals bags, phones, or wallets set down during the distraction. The tactic is also used on pedestrians on Av. Diagonal and near the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site. If a stranger draws your attention to something on your clothing, do not set your bag down or let anyone touch it. Step away, keep all items held tightly, and check your belongings immediately. Be especially suspicious if the approach feels rehearsed or involves more than one person.

Question 5

What is the "Gem and Jewellery Investment Scam" scam in Lima?

Accepted Answer

Con artists in the Centro Histórico and near tourist hotels in Miraflores approach visitors with a story about exporting "investment-grade" Peruvian gemstones or alpaca handicrafts at a profit. Victims are told they can resell the items in their home country for triple the price and are shown fake receipts and appraisals. The goods purchased are worth a fraction of the amount paid. Decline any unsolicited approach about buying goods for resale. Genuine gem dealers operate in licensed shops, not on the street. Treat claims of extraordinary resale profit as an automatic red flag.

Street Scams in Lima

Fake Police Officer Wallet Inspection

Fraudulent "Tourist Police" Fine Collection

Pickpockets in Miraflores Parque Kennedy

Mustard and Substance Distraction Theft

Gem and Jewellery Investment Scam

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