Bolivia Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams targeting tourists and residents in Bolivia, with guidance on how to report fraud through official channels.
Emergency number: 110 (police) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Bolivia attracts backpackers and adventure travellers exploring the Uyuni salt flats, Amazonian jungle and colonial cities. While most visits are trouble-free, travellers face risks including fake tour operators, corrupt taxi drivers, and express kidnapping in urban areas. Online fraud including romance scams, fake investment platforms and phishing are also rising as smartphone use expands. Bolivia has no dedicated cybercrime law as of mid-2026, so digital fraud is typically reported through the general Policía Boliviana.
Common scams
- Investment and crypto fraud via social media
- Romance scams targeting expatriates and travellers
- Fake tour operators collecting deposits then disappearing
- Phishing and SIM-swap fraud targeting mobile banking users
Tourist-specific scams
- Fake Uyuni salt flat tour agencies with no vehicles or guides
- Taxi overcharging and express kidnapping in La Paz and Santa Cruz
- 'Police impersonation' stops demanding to inspect wallets
- Unofficial money changers offering inflated rates and swapping bills
- Pickpocketing and bag-snatching in busy markets and bus terminals
Online shopping scams
- Fake online stores shipping counterfeit or no goods
- Phishing messages mimicking local banks via WhatsApp
- Job offer scams promising high-paying overseas work
Job scams
- Fake overseas job ads requiring upfront visa or training fees
- Task scams paying small sums initially then demanding deposits to continue
Romance scams
- Long-running online relationships leading to requests for money transfers
- Pig-butchering investment scams initiated through dating apps
Investment scams
- Fraudulent crypto trading platforms promoted via social media
- Pyramid and Ponzi schemes disguised as community savings groups
How to report a scam here
- Call 110 or visit the nearest Policía Boliviana station to file a denuncia
- Provide screenshots, transaction records and any contact details you have
- Contact your bank immediately to block accounts or reverse transfers
- Report scam websites to INTERPOL via the Bolivian NCB if the fraud is international
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call your bank's fraud line immediately to freeze your account. Bolivian banks generally require an in-person visit with your denuncia police report to begin a formal dispute.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolivia safe for tourists?
Most visits to Bolivia are incident-free, but petty theft, taxi scams and express kidnapping are documented risks in La Paz and Santa Cruz. Use only licensed radio-dispatched taxis, keep copies of documents, and book tours through established agencies.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance