Question 1

What is the "Paseo Millonario (Organized Gang Taxi Robbery)" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

A highly organized crime scheme where gang members — sometimes posing as rideshare or taxi drivers — select victims in popular tourist areas like Parque Lleras and Provenza, with the help of accomplices inside bars and restaurants who tip off the gang about targets flashing valuables. Victims are lured or forced into a vehicle, then driven around while being robbed of cash, bank cards, jewellery, and phones under threat of firearms or sharp weapons. The gang "Los Calvos" was arrested in May 2025 after victimizing at least 23 tourists from seven countries including the US, Australia, and Germany. Losses exceeded 600 million pesos across confirmed victims. Never enter an unmarked vehicle or accept an unsolicited ride from someone who approaches you outside a bar. Use only pre-booked, tracked rideshare apps (Uber, Cabify, InDrive) and confirm the plate before entering. Avoid showing expensive items — watches, cameras, laptops — inside El Poblado nightlife venues.

Question 2

What is the "Express Kidnapping by Taxi" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed taxi passengers are driven at night to ATMs and forced to make withdrawals before being released. This is a well-documented risk in Medellín, particularly for solo travellers taking cabs off the street. Use only Uber or InDriver with trip tracking. Share your live location with a contact. Never take cabs that stop unsolicited.

Question 3

What is the "Rigged Taxi Meter and Long Route Overcharge" scam in Medellín?

Accepted Answer

Street taxi drivers use rigged meters that run two to three times faster than the legal rate, or deliberately take unnecessarily long routes through unfamiliar neighbourhoods to inflate the fare. A common variant involves the driver claiming the meter is broken and proposing a flat fare — always inflated. Tourists unfamiliar with the city have no way to verify whether the route or meter is accurate. Fares that should be 15,000–25,000 pesos end up at 60,000–100,000 pesos. Use app-based rideshare services (Uber, Cabify, InDrive) which show the estimated fare before you accept the ride. If you must use a street taxi, look for the official orange-and-white Medellin taxis and insist the meter is turned on ("por favor ponga el metro"). Screenshot your start point on Google Maps before departing.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Medellín

Paseo Millonario (Organized Gang Taxi Robbery)

Express Kidnapping by Taxi

Rigged Taxi Meter and Long Route Overcharge

Experienced a scam here?