Peru Scams: Tourist, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams targeting visitors and residents in Peru, from Machu Picchu tourist traps to online investment fraud, with official reporting channels.
Emergency number: 105 (police), 1818 (cybercrime hotline) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Peru is a major tourist destination and increasingly a target for online scammers. Visitors face overcharging taxi and tour operators, counterfeit souvenir sellers, and distraction theft at popular sites like Machu Picchu and Cusco. Online fraud — including romance scams, fake investment platforms, and phishing — has grown significantly. The Division of Investigation of High Technology Crimes (DIVINDAT) of the National Police and INDECOPI handle cybercrime and consumer protection respectively.
Common scams
- Online investment and crypto fraud
- Romance scams via social media and dating apps
- Tourist overcharging and fake tour operators
- ATM skimming and card fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Unlicensed taxis overcharging or taking circuitous routes
- Fake entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and other heritage sites
- Distraction theft in markets and busy plazas
- Fake tour guides collecting fees for unofficial tours
Online shopping scams
- Fake e-commerce and classified ad sites
- Phishing emails impersonating Peruvian banks
- Social media lottery and prize scams
Job scams
- Fake overseas work offers requiring upfront fees
- Fraudulent work-from-home income schemes
Romance scams
- Dating-app relationships leading to crypto investment requests
- Social media romance fraud targeting foreign nationals
Investment scams
- Ponzi schemes disguised as high-yield savings products
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
How to report a scam here
- If money was just transferred, call your bank's hotline immediately and contact DIVINDAT on the free cybercrime line 1818
- File a report with the National Police cybercrime unit (DIVINDAT) in person at the nearest Comisaría or via policia.gob.pe
- Report consumer fraud and deceptive practices to INDECOPI at indecopi.gob.pe
- Preserve all evidence — messages, transaction records, and website screenshots — before reporting
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 using the official number on your card or app immediately after any suspected fraud. Report cybercrime to DIVINDAT by calling 1818 (free) and follow up with a formal complaint at your nearest police station.
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 DIVINDAT in Peru?
DIVINDAT is the Division of Investigation of High Technology Crimes within the National Police of Peru. It investigates computer fraud, identity theft, and other cybercrime. You can reach it by calling 1818 (free) or (01) 431-8898.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance