Colombia Scams: Online, Phone & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Colombia and how to report them to the Policía Nacional CAI Virtual, SIC, and your bank.
Emergency number: 123 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Colombia faces widespread phone-based fraud, banking and card-cloning scams, online marketplace fraud, and investment schemes. The Policía Nacional operates the CAI Virtual portal at caivirtual.policia.gov.co, a 24-hour online reporting channel for cybercrime and digital fraud. The Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) handles consumer protection complaints. Colombia's unified emergency number is 123. Reporting suspected bank fraud immediately gives the best chance of halting a transfer — Colombian banks maintain dedicated fraud lines and can flag accounts rapidly if contacted promptly.
Common scams
- Phone scams impersonating banks, tax authority (DIAN), or police
- Banking card cloning and ATM skimming
- Online marketplace non-delivery and overpayment fraud
- Investment and crypto scams
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging or unsafe unofficial taxis
- Distraction theft and fake 'good Samaritan' schemes
- ATM card-swapping in tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating banks or delivery services
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace scams
- Account takeover via credential phishing
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake overseas or remote job offers requiring upfront fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance leading to financial requests or crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Pyramid and multi-level marketing investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to report and block fraudulent transactions
- Report cybercrime and online fraud to the CAI Virtual at caivirtual.policia.gov.co
- Report consumer protection issues to the SIC at sic.gov.co
- For emergencies, call 123
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card — never a number provided by a caller. Colombian banks can attempt to freeze or reverse fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. No legitimate bank or government agency demands payment by gift card or crypto under threat.
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
What is the CAI Virtual?
The CAI Virtual (Centro de Atención Inmediata Virtual) is the Policía Nacional de Colombia's online reporting portal for cybercrime, operating 24 hours a day. Victims can report digital fraud, phishing, and related crimes and receive guidance via the portal at caivirtual.policia.gov.co.
How do I avoid ATM card cloning in Colombia?
Use ATMs inside bank branches rather than standalone street machines, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, inspect the card slot for unusual attachments, and monitor your account immediately after any ATM use.
Does Colombia's tax authority DIAN contact people by phone demanding payment?
No. DIAN contacts taxpayers primarily in writing. Unsolicited calls claiming to be from DIAN and demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action are scams. Hang up and verify directly via the official DIAN website.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance