Scams: Fake 'Officials' / Police
Other Important Factors to Remember:
- They ask to Search you/your belonging: Police do not conduct searches in the street
- They ask you to accompany them in a Taxi to the Police Station: When have you ever known any Police Officer in any police force to use a Taxi while on Duty?
- A Police officer stops a taxi someone suggested you share: When have you ever known a Police officer to randomly stop a taxi with Tourists in it?
- You are approached by a seemingly Solo Police Officer: No police force in the world operate individually! If they are genuine, there will be a minimum of 2, and in South America they tend to operate in Groups of 3 or more, especially if they are walking about/'on the beat'
- Police Officers in South America as a rule will generally never approach Tourists - They are too important to the Countries Economy
- Undercover police officers typically never approach or interact with tourists (Unless you have actually committed a crime)
Fake 'Officals' / Police
This is particularly prevalent in southern South America.
A well-known scam in South America, particularly well known in Bolivia, is the “fake policeman” scam.
The Scam:
Typically targeting tourists, operates in the following way.
An accomplice of the fake police officer will make contact with you, often in the guise of being a fellow tourist either asking for or offering help.
The two of you will then be approached by an individual claiming to be a plain-clothes/undercover policeman.
The “policemen” will ask to see your passports. The accomplice will comply and may advise you to do the same, claiming that it has happened to him before.
DO NOT HAND OVER YOUR PASSPORT! If you do, the pair will make off with it and any other valuables they have managed to coax out of you.
There are a number of variations of this which aim to increase the success of the robbery, and things you need to be aware of:
- You and your belongings may be searched and any valuables stolen [RED FLAG]
- You may be asked to accompany the pair to the police station in a taxi [RED FLAG], which enables them to more easily rob you
- You may be forced to an ATM to take out money for the robbers.
- Especially in areas around transport terminals, the accomplice may offer to share a taxi with you [RED FLAG]. A policeman then stops the taxi and asks you to get out, the taxi driver (also in on the scam) drives off with your luggage
- There may be more than one accomplice [Be Aware of your surroundings]
- The fake cop may produce a (fake) badge in an attempt to appear more authentic
What to Do:
If approached by a someone claiming to be a police officer:
- Do NOT hand them your documentation or any valuables
- Instead ask for your embassy to be contacted, or request that the police officer has a marked police car come to take you to the station
- If you can walk away (to somewhere safe), do so – that alone can be enough to deter the scammers.
- Avoid getting into taxi shares with, or following, people you have just met
- You should also avoid looking too “touristy” by keeping your valuables hidden and walking purposefully (At least try to look like you know where you are going!)
- Travelling in groups will further reduce your risk of being targeted
- Occasionally you may encounter a legitimate policeman wishing to see your documentation. They will typically persist if you refuse to show your documentation or kick up a fuss, unlike thieves who will be more likely to run away
- It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport and visa stamp that you can show instead of your real documents.
- If you suspect it may be a legitimate policeman, they will probably comply if you ask to go into a nearby shop or bank where you can have a local confirm the policeman’s authenticity. Be careful not to 'Challenge' the “policeman” until you are convinced they are bogus or you could find yourself being charged with assault!
- Also consider programming the numbers of the local police and your embassy into your phone. Calling, or pretending to call them may be enough to deter the attackers.
The likelihood that you’ll be targeted by the fake police scam is low. Most tourists encounter no problems during their travels. Just be aware that it can occur, particularly in tourist hot spots and transport hubs.