Scams in Medellín aren't as aggressive as in some tourist destinations, but a predictable set of patterns target foreigners. Knowing them in advance converts each from a potential problem into a shrug. Here are the most common ones in 2026.
Restaurant and Bar Scams
Inflated tourist menus
Some bars near Parque Lleras and tourist-heavy strips have two price tiers. Always ask to see the menu before ordering, and confirm prices verbally for expensive items. If no printed menu exists, leave.
The "extra bottle" bar scam
You order a round, the server brings extra bottles or charges twice. Check the bill item by item in tourist bars. Photograph the menu on arrival if you're suspicious.
Girl-at-bar scams
Foreign men meet a woman who picks the bar, orders expensive drinks, and disappears when a $400 bill arrives. Standard operating procedure. Trust your instincts.
Transportation Scams
Street taxi overcharging
Some street taxis set the meter incorrectly or "forget" it. Use Uber or Cabify instead — pricing is set in-app.
Counterfeit bills as change
Rare but real. Examine larger-denomination bills (50k COP, 100k COP) received as change at small vendors.
Airport "helpful porter" scam
Someone grabs your bag "to help" at the airport and then demands an inflated tip. Decline help firmly or agree on a price first.
ATM and Card Scams
Skimmers
Use ATMs inside bank lobbies when possible, not street ATMs. Cover the PIN pad. Check for obvious tampering.
Card cloning
Keep your card in sight when paying. If a server walks away with your card rather than bringing a portable terminal, that's a risk. Mobile terminals are now standard in most reputable places.
Fake Police / Authority Scams
"Police" wanting to see your money
If someone in plain clothes or a vague uniform asks to "check your wallet" to look for counterfeit bills or verify your documents — this is the scam. Real Colombian police do not do this. Insist on going to a police station if they persist. Do not hand over your wallet, passport, or phone.
Fake "drug enforcement" threats
A variation where someone claims to be a plainclothes officer and threatens arrest unless you pay a fine on the spot. Not legitimate. Ask for a uniformed officer; refuse to go anywhere private.
Apartment Rental Scams
See our dedicated guide on avoiding apartment scams. The short version: never wire money before viewing, reverse-image-search listing photos, insist on a video tour.
General Defenses
- Use apps (Uber, Cabify) instead of cash-paid street services when possible.
- Carry a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash and an expired card if you're out at night.
- Keep your passport in your apartment safe; carry a photocopy or photo instead.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Leaving a situation is always the right choice.