How Foreigners Are Scammed in Colombia

Keep your eyes open and avoid inconveniences

As a Colombian, I feel it's my duty to make this country better for both nationals and foreigners, and that's the purpose of my page. I dislike seeing foreigners scammed, and I equally disapprove of those who come to degrade my country. That's why I strive to provide the best information for everyone.

I don't want anyone to have a bad experience in Colombia, nor do I want to promote negative activities here. Today, I'll talk about how to avoid scams.

It's sadly common to see foreigners cheated by visa processes, and I can't understand why some Colombians engage in such deceit. They could earn ten times more by conducting legitimate visa processes. But let's continue...

Colombia, known for its human warmth and natural beauty, has also seen its share of unhappy tales where foreigners looking for love or friendship have fallen prey to scams.

People who scam are generally foolish. A Colombian can make 100 times more money by helping a foreigner than by robbing them, but culturally Colombians are not able to understand that.

These scams often start with a casual online encounter, where language barriers and geographical distance create a breeding ground for deceit.

Scammers, exploiting Colombia's exoticized image, present attractive profiles with promises of genuine love or sincere friendship.

Over time, the relationship intensifies. Messages become more frequent, calls more intimate, and promises more profound.

For the foreigner, the relationship seems real and full of potential. However, behind the screen, scammers weave their web with patience and precision.

The sting comes unexpectedly. An emergency, an investment opportunity, or just the desire to meet in person.

Money is requested with the promise that it's just a loan, temporary assistance until the situation is resolved. Driven by affection and trust, foreigners send funds, often significant sums, to their supposed friends or lovers.

But reality fades as quickly as the transferred funds. Communications are cut, promises broken, and the foreigner is left alone, with less money and a broken heart. The scam is complete.

These deceptions not only result in financial losses but also sow distrust and tarnish the image of a country rich in culture and integrity.

It's a painful reminder that in the quest for human connections, caution should never be overlooked.

For those looking to build connections in Colombia or elsewhere, it's vital to remain vigilant, protect your personal and financial information, and look for warning signs. The golden rule remains: if it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Please watch this:

Foreigners interested in investment programs offering residency or citizenship might be duped by scammers posing as brokers or lawyers specializing in investment visas.

After making a significant investment through unofficial channels, the foreigner discovers they have been defrauded.

To avoid falling into these scams, foreigners must:

• Always verify the legitimacy of the agency or service they are dealing with.

• Never send money without confirming the identity and reputation of the person or company.

• Consult with the nearest Colombian friend. (trust)

• Be skeptical of urgent money requests or promises of expedited processes.

• Conduct all transactions through official channels and obtain proper receipts and documentation.

If you're looking for a consultation call and want to know about costs and 100% reliable agencies for nomad or investment visa processes in Colombia, let's have a call. I can recommend trustworthy lawyers, and I will personally be part of the process to ensure you feel at ease.

Consultation 1:1
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There are also other scams that I will talk about next. The important thing here is that I want to tell you that it's very easy to avoid scams. You just need a trustworthy Colombian to help you (even through WhatsApp). I am available, but surely you also have friends here.

Accommodation Scams:

The journey of deception often begins with the search for accommodation. Online listings showcase stunning properties, promising a home away from home. Eager travelers, like moths to a flame, are drawn to these seemingly perfect abodes and send off their deposits or even full rental fees. But upon arrival, the reality is grim; the property is either a figment of digital manipulation or has been off the market for years. Similarly, hostels and hotels bait guests with "special rates" or "discounts," only to reveal a different, inflated price at checkout, leaving travelers with a lighter wallet and a sense of betrayal.

Taxi Scams:

Once settled, foreigners may encounter the infamous taxi scams. Taximeters, which should be the impartial judges of fare, are often tampered with, racing ahead with every tick. Some drivers, under the guise of helpfulness, take their passengers on a grand tour of the city, taking the longest routes to inflate the fare. Others perform a sleight of hand, swapping out large bills for smaller denominations and feigning innocence as they claim underpayment.

Currency Exchange Scams:

Currency exchange booths, with their official-looking signs, lure travelers in need of local cash. Yet, the rates they offer are far from fair, and their counting methods are designed to confuse and shortchange. On the streets, friendly locals offer to exchange currency at rates that seem too good to refuse. But the bills they hand back are often counterfeit or significantly less than what was agreed upon.

Romance Scams:

The digital age has brought about scams of the heart, where online relationships bloom with promises of love and companionship. These virtual romances often lead to requests for money to cover emergencies, visa applications, or plane tickets. In more sinister cases, romantic encounters turn into honeytraps, leading to blackmail or outright theft.

Employment and Education Scams:

Job offers and scholarships with attractive benefits and opportunities beckon many. Yet, these too can be mirages, requiring upfront payments for document processing or visa arrangements that never materialize. Language courses and educational programs, devoid of accreditation or existence, leave students with nothing but lessons in gullibility.

Retail and Street Vendor Scams:

The marketplace offers its own set of challenges. Street vendors sell counterfeit or stolen goods, while shops may charge foreigners exorbitant prices or sell them defective products under the guise of authenticity.

"Helpful" Scams:

Then there are those who offer their assistance with luggage or directions, only to demand payment for their unsolicited services. Impersonators claiming to be police officers or officials may demand immediate fines or bribes, exploiting the fear of legal repercussions.

Tour and Activity Scams:

Travel agencies and tour operators are not all what they seem. Some sell non-existent tour packages or experiences of such low quality that they bear no resemblance to the promised adventure. Unofficial tour guides charge sky-high fees and spin tales as false as the histories they purport to recount.

But always remember…

Navigating the rich tapestry of Colombia's offerings requires vigilance and a healthy dose of skepticism. For every scam that lies in wait, there is also genuine warmth and hospitality to be found, but it is the wise traveler who treads carefully, keeping their wits about them and their senses attuned to the reality that not every friendly face is a friend.

Keep an eye for a follow up email, i’ll keep talking more about the ways people scam foreigners, my main goal is to make your Colombian experience as enjoyable as possible.

The Colombian, in my view, does not believe in wealth, which is why they take advantage of foreigners. An average Colombian does not believe it is possible to be rich without stealing from someone. It is a culture that needs to change, and I hope that with this article it will be of help. I have made more money helping foreigners than by robbing them. People have to realize that there are ethical ways to make money.