
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Pereira, Colombia
1. Taxi Scam
Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. To avoid, agree on the price before starting your journey.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiate a fair price for your ride to prevent overcharging.
- Prepaid Rides: Use prepaid taxi services like EcoTaxi, which guarantee fixed prices.
- Shared Taxis: Consider using shared taxis (sitios) for cheaper and more common destinations.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Some street vendors sell counterfeit goods. To avoid, purchase from authorized dealers or reputable shops.
- Authorized Dealers: Buy from authorized dealers and stores to ensure product authenticity.
- Reputable Shops: Research shops before purchasing to ensure they have a good reputation.
- Check Labels: Inspect the product labels carefully for any inconsistencies or poor quality indicators.
3. Fake Tour Guides
Unlicensed tour guides may offer cheaper services but provide inadequate information. To avoid, book tours through reputable agencies.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours with reputable and licensed travel agencies.
- Ask for Licenses: Always ask your guide for their license and verify it's valid.
- Check Online Reviews: Read online reviews of tour operators to ensure a positive experience.
4. Money Exchange Scams
Unofficial money exchange locations may offer unfavorable rates. To avoid, use authorized exchange offices or banks.
- Authorized Exchange Offices: Exchange your currency at authorized exchange offices.
- Banks: Use banks for larger exchanges and better rates.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Use credit or debit cards at ATMs for cash withdrawals when possible.
5. ATM Skimming
Criminals may install skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. To avoid, use ATMs located in secure areas like banks or well-lit, crowded locations.
- Secure Areas: Use ATMs in secure and well-lit locations to minimize the risk of skimming.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity or charges.
6. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors may use unhygienic practices. To avoid, choose established street food stalls with good hygiene practices.
- Established Street Food Stalls: Choose well-established street food vendors for better food quality and hygiene.
- Hygiene Practices: Look for vendors with good personal hygiene, clean workspace, and proper food handling practices.
- Crowd Favorite: Follow the crowd to find popular street food stalls that are likely to serve quality dishes.
7. Sim Card Scams
Unscrupulous SIM card vendors may sell you an unregistered or faulty SIM card. To avoid, buy from authorized phone stores or reputable kiosks.
- Authorized Phone Stores: Buy your SIM card at authorized phone stores.
- Reputable Kiosks: Choose reputable kiosks that have good reviews and are located in popular areas.
- Check SIM Registration: Make sure your SIM card is registered at a phone store to avoid any legal issues.
8. Overpriced Accommodation
Some accommodation providers may overcharge tourists. To avoid, research and book in advance from reliable online booking platforms or directly contact the property.
- Reliable Online Booking Platforms: Book your accommodation through reliable online booking sites.
- Contact Property Directly: Contact the property directly to discuss rates and avoid hidden fees.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation to ensure a positive experience.
9. Friendly Scam Artists
Locals offering help or friendship may lead you into scams. To avoid, be cautious and maintain a healthy distance until you've built trust.
- Trust Building: Build trust slowly by getting to know people before sharing personal information or accepting their help.
- Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in crowded and well-lit areas to avoid potential scammers.
- Follow Your Instincts: Trust your instincts if something feels off, and remove yourself from the situation.
10. Lost Item Scams
People may find 'lost' items and return them to claim reward or offer to sell them. To avoid, report lost items to the local police station immediately.
- Local Police Station: Report lost items to the local police station for proper handling.
- Avoid Deals with Strangers: Do not engage in deals with strangers regarding your lost items.
- Document Lost Items: Take detailed notes and photos of your lost items for easy identification.
11. Pickpocketing
Pickpockets operate in crowds and on public transportation. To avoid, keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
- Secure Belongings: Keep your belongings close and secure at all times.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions that could make you vulnerable to pickpocketing.
- Use Secure Bags: Use secure bags with zippers or lockable compartments for additional protection.
12. Car Rental Scams
Rental car companies may attempt to charge hidden fees. To avoid, read the contract carefully and ask questions before signing.
- Read the Contract: Read the rental agreement carefully to understand the terms and conditions.
- Ask Questions: Ask questions about fees, insurance coverage, and return policies before signing.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews of the rental car company to ensure a positive experience.
13. Fake Wi-Fi Hotspots
Unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots may expose your device to hacking. To avoid, use secured networks like hotels or reputable cafes.
- Secured Networks: Use secured Wi-Fi networks offered by hotels, cafes, and trusted businesses.
- VPN Use: Consider using a VPN to encrypt your online activity when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid Login on Public Wi-Fi: Do not log in to sensitive accounts or make online transactions using public Wi-Fi.
14. Bogus Charities
Some people may pose as charities to solicit money. To avoid, verify the authenticity of the charity before donating.
- Verify Authenticity: Research the charity to ensure it is legitimate.
- Ask for Receipt: Ask for a receipt or proof of donation when making a contribution.
- Give to Established Charities: Support established charities with a good reputation and a proven track record.
15. Timeshare Scams
High-pressure timeshare presentations may lead to unwanted commitments. To avoid, politely decline and leave the premises.
- Politely Decline: Be firm but polite when declining a timeshare presentation.
- Check with the Local Tourist Board: Contact your local tourist board for information about timeshare presentations in the area.
- Avoid Making Decisions on the Spot: Do not make decisions about timeshares during a high-pressure presentation.