Question 1

What is the "Scopolamine (Burundanga) Drugging" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Scopolamine, known locally as "burundanga," is a drug that causes temporary amnesia and compliance. It is administered in drinks, food, or even blown into the face of a target. Victims become unable to resist and often help criminals access their belongings, bank accounts, and home. Never accept drinks or food from strangers. Keep your drink covered and in sight at all times. Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars.

Question 2

What is the "Cocaine Set-Up Scam" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

A dealer offers to sell cocaine to tourists; a corrupt "police officer" then arrives and demands payment to avoid arrest. The dealer and police officer are working together. Decline all drug offers. This is a common and dangerous scam. If approached by someone claiming to be police, insist on going to the official police station.

Question 3

What is the "Motorcycle Snatch Theft (Motochorro)" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Thieves riding motorcycles — often with a pillion passenger acting as the grabber — cruise slowly along pedestrian-heavy streets and snatch phones, bags, and cameras directly from pedestrians' hands or shoulders. The attack is over in seconds before any reaction is possible. Phone theft from pedestrians increased significantly in 2023–2024 with motochorros accounting for a large share of reported street robberies. The attack is most common on Calle 10, Avenida El Poblado, and any street where tourists walk close to the kerb while looking at phones. Walk on the inside of the pavement away from the kerb. Keep your phone pocketed when walking outdoors; check maps only inside shops or cafés. Carry bags on the shoulder away from the street. Use crossbody bags with anti-slash straps.

Question 4

What is the "Pickpockets in El Centro and Metro" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Organised pickpocket groups operate in El Centro and on the Metro Cable (Metrocable), targeting tourists distracted by the city views or unfamiliar with the fare system. Keep bags in front of your body. Keep phones pocketed on crowded cable cars and metro cars. Avoid flashing expensive cameras or watches.

Question 5

What is the "Bird Poop Distraction Theft" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

A scammer squirts white paste — mimicking bird droppings — on a tourist's shoulder or backpack. An apparently unconnected "helpful" local immediately offers to assist clean the mess. While the tourist is distracted and their bag is opened or moved, a third accomplice picks pockets or unzips the bag. The scheme is low-violence and over within 30 seconds. Multiple travel forums and guides for Colombia report this tactic occurring in the El Centro pedestrian zone and around the cable-car (Metrocable) stations. If paste suddenly appears on you from an unknown source, ignore offers of help from strangers. Walk to the nearest shop or café to clean up yourself. Keep your bag in front of you and one hand on it at all times in crowded pedestrian areas.

Question 6

What is the "Fake Police Document Check" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Men in plain clothes flash unofficial-looking police ID and ask to inspect your documents and wallet for counterfeit bills or to verify your tourist visa. Real Colombian police do not conduct random tourist wallet checks. Decline any street document check. Request to be accompanied to the nearest official police station. Never hand over your real passport.

Street Scams in Medellín

Scopolamine (Burundanga) Drugging

Cocaine Set-Up Scam

Motorcycle Snatch Theft (Motochorro)

Pickpockets in El Centro and Metro

Bird Poop Distraction Theft

Fake Police Document Check

Experienced a scam here?