Accommodation Scams in Medellín, Colombia
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Medellín — 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
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
11
Total in Medellín
How it works
Fraudulent short-term rental listings targeting tourists advertise well-priced apartments in El Poblado and Laureles on Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds. Victims are asked to pay a cash deposit or wire transfer to "secure the booking" before arrival; on check-in day the address does not exist, the phone number is disconnected, or a genuine tenant answers the door. This scam has grown alongside Medellín's boom in digital-nomad tourism.
See all scams in Medellín
11 total warnings across all categories