Traveler Scams Afoot in Bolivia

Backpackers found dead -- The bodies of two Austrian backpackers were found April 3 in LaPaz, Bolivia, following a search for the tourists after families speculated that Peter Rabitsch and Katharina Koller may have been the victims of a scam in which credit cards and PIN numbers are obtained by criminals posing as police. The backpackers disappeared January 24, probably in La Paz's Cementerio area, while traveling from Copacabana to LaPaz; the victims' families closed their bank accounts February 8 after money had been repeatedly withdrawn using South American ATM machines.

In the becoming-known scam, tourists enter a non-radio cab in La Paz, which is then boarded by a scam artist posing as a tourist and carrying drugs; the "cab" is then stopped by accomplices wearing what appear to be police uniforms and occupants are "searched" and robbed. Victims may also be taken to a psuedo police station.

Bolivian police have not speculated in press reports as to why scam artists may be murdering some victims, though the vicitims' families have written on a website that tourists may be kidnapped to prevent cancelling of stolen bank cards and speculate that matters then go awry. According to the families' website, some suspected perpetrators have been arrested and other scam artists remain at large.

Governments provide Bolivia travel advice

Bus terminals and tourist markets, such as Sagarnaga Street in La Paz, are spots in which to watch for scamsters, according to the US Department of State. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises that when in La Paz, travelers use only radio taxis with cab company phone numbers printed on roof and doors and with two-way radio inside, and to exercise caution if using a non-radio or white LaPaz "taxi", should the cab stop for a lone tourist and subsequently be stopped by police.

Always exercise normal travel care and take precautions to help avoid being the victim of theft or assault. Debit cards are generally far more convenient and safer for travel use than carrying cash; if your credit card or debit card is taken or stolen, report the loss to your bank immediately.

• Worldsafetywatch.com: "Bahrain: Phony Police Rob Foreigners"
• Student travel safety
• Women traveler's' safety tips
• Learn about using debit cards for travel

Bolivia for Backpackers | Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Thread: Missing Travelers in South America | Jenny Pope: Missing Brit Backpacker's Bank Account Emptied in South America

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January 24: two Austrian citizens disappear while traveling between Copacabana and La Paz.

March 29: British citizen attacked and robbed in El Alto towards the end of a journey from Copacabana to La Paz.

March 29: British citizen attacked and robbed of travelers’ checks and credit cards in central La Paz in an incident involving a taxi and apparently bogus police officer.

April 3: Austrian citizens' bodies found near La Paz.

Sources

• US Department of State
• British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• "Two Austrian tourists found dead in Bolivia after kidnap"
• Rabitsch/Kollar website

Rest in peace, travelers. ^{Category: Travel Safety}