Based on firsthand experience, we’re breaking down the key motives and tactics behind kidnapping and extortion in Colombia—and how to protect yourself. After reviewing online forums and speaking with a professional investigator from the Manizales police, we’ve compiled expert-backed recommendations to help you stay safe.

American Kidnapped in Colombia: Why Awareness Matters

Kidnapping and extortion surged in Colombia in 2022, making personal safety a growing concern for travelers and expats. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can reduce your risk and navigate Colombia with confidence.

American Kidnapped in Colombia: A Close Call in Quinchía

Kidnapping in Colombia remains a serious concern, and this isn’t the first time an American has been targeted—nor will it be the last. Our editor, Erin, was nearly kidnapped and extorted while providing translation services in Quinchía, Risaralda.

Quinchía, a town of about 30,000 people, is located three to four hours from Pereira by bus. The direct Transportes Batero route departs from Pereira’s terminal, passing through Anserma, Caldas. At Las Cejas, the route veers off the Medellín highway, winding down a mountain—leading to the very spot where our editor’s terrifying ordeal unfolded.

In short, here’s what happened:

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What was dangerous, was the situation and a lack of further investigation and/or video call by Erin to confirm the identity of the presumed clients who needed a translator.

Tip #1: Verify Every Caller
If you receive a call for services, always engage the potential client on a video call and document their information. This helps verify their legitimacy and provides a record in case of any issues.

What ultimately saved Erin was her quick thinking and the courage of her friend, who acted decisively to get them out of danger and hide in a nearby coffee field until help arrived.

Tip #2: Use Smart Tools to Detect Scams
If you ever find yourself a target of kidnapping or extortion in Colombia, taking the right steps early can help you escape before you’re harmed or lose your savings. One essential tool is CallApp, a smartphone app that identifies numbers flagged for fraud or extortion, helping you recognize and avoid potential threats before they escalate.

Kidnapping and Extortion in Colombia: Current Data & Trends

Kidnapping and extortion have long been concerns in Colombia, primarily in remote rural areas classified as red zonesdue to high criminal activity.

According to a report by Insight Crime, Colombia was once known as the kidnapping capital of the world, with an average of eight abductions per day. By the year 2000, entire regions lacked police or military presence, putting both wealthy individuals and everyday travelers at risk of abduction while moving between cities.

Since 2014, kidnappings have declined significantly, with most abductions lasting no more than 30 days. Foreigners now represent a small percentage of victims. However, traditional kidnapping has largely evolved into extortion scams, where criminals use psychological tactics to pressure victims into sending money—requiring fewer resources while delivering faster results.

he economic downturn from COVID-19 and political uncertainty following recent administration changes appear to have emboldened criminal organizations across Colombia. In recent months, local experts in Medellín and the Coffee Axis—along with their communities—have reported a noticeable increase in kidnapping and extortion attempts.

One key indicator of this trend is social proof, such as discussions in major expat groups. For example, on August 29, 2022, a conversation in one of Medellín’s largest expat communities highlighted growing concerns over personal safety.

Follow this link to read the thread and comments: https://m.facebook.com/groups/GringoPaisas/permalink/5508834059179264/

In most cases, kidnapping and extortion scams in Colombia start as telephone fraud run by prison inmates. These criminals use psychological manipulation to create high-pressure situations, coercing victims into compliance.

Some reports suggest that inmates coordinate with outside accomplices who lure unsuspecting victims to remote locations, where the threat becomes real. This raises an alarming question: What could have happened if authorities hadn’t responded quickly in our recent situation?

Tip #3: Avoid Rural Areas Without Verification

Never travel to rural areas without verifying who is expecting you and understanding the situation fully. This is especially critical for professionals offering transport, repair, teaching, or translation services—all common targets for scams.

“SEMANA” NEWS FLASH: As of September 12th, 2022 – more than 115 people have been captured through 23 raids and seizing 199 items including firearms, motorcycles and communication equipment used to commit crimes. [2]

Expert Tips to Avoid Kidnapping and Extortion in Colombia

We consulted with a police investigator (Alejandro V.) in Manizales for a few recommendations to help us avoid kidnapping and extortioTo better understand how to stay safe in Colombia, we consulted with Manizales police investigator Alejandro V. for expert recommendations on preventing kidnapping and extortion. Below is a translated excerpt from his recorded insights on personal safety and data protection:

• How to Protect Your Data and Personal Information in Colombia

  Managing your personal data is crucial for preventing extortion and kidnapping. Both in face-to-face and online interactions, it’s essential to be extremely reserved about what you share. Information that you casually share with friends and family can be used against you.

  Only close family and friends should know sensitive details like your home address, who you live with, and other personal information that could lead to extortion or robbery.

  Criminals typically start by obtaining your cell phone number and then researching your life—from your travel plans to daily routines. This information is often used against you once you leave home.

  Whatsapp Safety Tips

  When using WhatsApp, avoid posting any status updates that reveal travel plans or share photos indicating your whereabouts. It’s safer to share these details after you return or once you’ve already left the area.

• Facebook Safety: Protect Your Privacy and Avoid Scams

  When it comes to Facebook, be selective about who you accept as a friend. While some profiles may seem friendly, behind the faces of certain individuals could be criminals looking to exploit you for easy money.

  The fewer people who can access your online presence, the better. Limiting your online visibility to trusted individuals is far more valuable than accumulating friends with hidden motives.

How Criminals Use Manipulation and Information to Exploit Victims

Criminals often obtain sensitive information about their victims through seemingly innocent sources—such as family members. For example, they may call your landline (telefono fijo), and an employee, friend, or even a child may answer and unknowingly disclose personal details. Children, in particular, might casually share information like the family dog’s name, your car model, or even your license plate number.

Once they have gathered this information, they wait for the opportune moment to contact you, using the details they know to shock and confuse you, making you more vulnerable. This is where the manipulation begins.

How the Internet and Social Media Play a Role in Exploitation

The internet is an invaluable tool for criminals seeking information on potential targets. They look for individuals in professions like journalism, transportation, or engineering, or anyone who is simply focused on their daily tasks and not expecting a scam call.

Be careful who you get involved with. Protect your personal information. Keep a low profile online. 

How to Protect Your Privacy Online and Avoid Scams

How can you protect your privacy?

One effective way to secure your WhatsApp profile is by restricting access to your profile picture and personal details. To do this, go to Settings > Account > Privacy, and adjust your settings to allow only contacts to see your photo.

When sharing travel photos, it’s safer to wait until after you return or once you’ve left the area before posting pictures of you and your friends. This minimizes the risk of criminals tracking your movements.

Remember, information is the ultimate goal of criminals. Every action and post you make online could inadvertently open the door to identity theft, extortion, or other crimes. Always think carefully about what you share.

Tip #4: Always Share Your Plans with Someone You Trust

When heading out, always inform a trusted person—such as a colleague, friend, or family member—about your destination and expected return time. This simple step can be crucial for your safety.

What to Do if You Receive an Extortion Call

If you realize you’re being targeted for extortion, hang up immediately and contact the police. Keep in mind that the caller will likely have gathered some information about your life to manipulate and deceive you.

If there’s no immediate physical threat in your surroundings, leave the area and reach out to the authorities. If the caller contacts you again, demand that they reveal their identity.

Many of these calls are orchestrated by prison inmates who conduct internet research to gather personal details, then use a pre-planned script to trick victims into believing their false story. Never share personal information over the phone in these situations.

Protect Yourself from Extortion: Don’t Send Money via Unverified Channels

Ultimately, if there’s no victim, there’s no crime. Even if you send a small amount—such as 20,000 or any other sum—the police cannot create a report or pursue the criminal unless harm is done or money is exchanged.

To avoid becoming a target, never use money transfer services for payments related to potential extortion. Always ask for a bank account to ensure the transaction is traceable and legitimate.

What to Do if You Get Kidnapped: Essential Tips for Protection

While it’s important to make every effort to avoid kidnapping, once criminals have taken you, your window for escape becomes significantly smaller the longer you remain in their custody.

If you are kidnapped, the first thing criminals will do is take your phone. Following that, they will likely interrogate you to gather more personal information. Avoid revealing any details about your income or assets. If you must speak, try to confuse or mislead them to buy yourself time.

If your work involves frequent travel to rural areas, or you regularly visit remote locations, having a cover story can help protect you. While it might seem elaborate for some, a cover story typically involves a job title and minimal personal information that offers little value to potential captors.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a trusted contact who can pose as a family member. Ensure they know what steps to take if they receive a call in the event of an emergency. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of luck—sometimes, it’s a key factor in escaping dangerous situations.

If you find yourself kidnapped, try to downplay your wealth. Telling captors that you have a business, money, or assets can increase the chances of them holding you longer and demanding more money. Instead, claim you are a student or fabricate other details to keep them confused.

Be careful not to reveal too much about your family. If you must mention them, share information that can signal to your family what’s happening when the captors call with their demands. This can serve as a subtle message for help.

Colombia has a specialized police and military unit, GAULA, dedicated to kidnapping and extortion cases. If you’re able to access a phone, dial 1-2-3 to contact the police. Speak clearly and immediately say, “Estoy secuestrada, ayúdame” (“I am kidnapped, help!”). Be prepared to provide as much information as you can to assist authorities in locating you

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Conclusion: Stay Vigilant Against Kidnapping and Extortion in Colombia

As the holiday season approaches, criminal activity tends to increase as delinquents look for ways to fund their celebrations. This often results in a rise in common crimes like robberies and assaults, but extortions are also becoming more frequent—and they can happen to anyone.

Tip #5: Take Your Time Getting to Know New People

When meeting new people, take your time to truly get to know them. Pay attention to how your friends and family react to these individuals—they may notice something you missed. Avoid bringing new acquaintances into your home too quickly, as this could put you at risk.

If you found this information on kidnapping and extortion in Colombia helpful, share this article with your loved ones. Proper awareness and education can help prevent these dangerous situations. Most people who have been informed or have experienced such incidents won’t fall for the same trap again. Let’s work together to ensure there’s no first timefor anyone.

For more tips on personal safety and security, check out our latest article: How Foreigners End

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Sources on Kidnapping and Extortion in Colombia

• Insight Crime: Behind Colombia’s Dramatic Fall in Kidnappings
• Semana: Secuestro y Extorsión: Delitos que No Tienen Freno en Colombia

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