How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Argentina?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Watch out for the 'mustard' distraction scam, fake police officers, and street money changers offering counterfeit notes.
2What You Need to Know
The 'mustard scam' (or similar condiment/liquid distraction) is common in Buenos Aires tourist areas: a stranger 'accidentally' spills something on you, and an accomplice pickpockets you while a third person 'helps' clean you up. Fake police officers in plain clothes may approach tourists and ask to check wallets for 'counterfeit bills' — real police never do this. Street money changers ('cambio' touts) near Florida Street in Buenos Aires often use sleight of hand to shortchange or pass counterfeit notes. The La Boca neighbourhood is a hotspot for pickpockets.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1If someone spills anything on you, immediately grab your belongings and walk away — do not let strangers touch you.
- 2Never show your wallet or phone to anyone claiming to be an undercover officer; ask to go to the nearest police station together.
- 3Stick to reputable casas de cambio with a physical shopfront for currency exchange — never exchange on the street.
Important Warning
Express kidnapping (secuestro exprés) — being forced to an ATM to withdraw cash — occurs rarely but does exist; avoid displaying expensive jewellery, cameras, or phones in busy or unfamiliar areas at night.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
Watch out for ATM skimming, fake police demanding wallet inspection, the timeshare free-gift trap, and deliberate short-changing.
Key scams to watch for include beach theft (arrastão group robberies), distraction pickpockets, express kidnappings in cities, and people posing as police officers.
Canada is a low-scam destination for tourists, but phone and email scams impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency are rampant — hang up immediately.
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