Esteban Rada
Colombian lawyer
Email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
tel +57-3117693976
Introduction:
Colombia, a vibrant and captivating country known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm-hearted people, is unfortunately witnessing an emerging trend of fake police officers engaged in scamming unsuspecting citizens and tourists. These impostors’ prey on the public’s trust, posing as legitimate law enforcement officers and issuing fake tickets to extort money. In recent years, incidents involving fraudulent fines have become more prevalent, urging authorities to act against this growing menace. It is essential to shed light on this issue and raise awareness to protect locals and tourists alike from falling victim to this scam.
The Modus Operandi:
The so-called “fake police” prey on vulnerable motorists and tourists in various crowded areas, exploiting their lack of knowledge about local laws and regulations. They commonly approach individuals either on foot or on motorcycles, sporting uniforms closely resembling genuine law enforcement personnel. These fake officers skillfully wield their authority and issue Colombian tickets for alleged traffic violations, document forgery, or other minor offenses. Subsequently, they threaten severe penalties, such as license revocation or imprisonment, unless an immediate cash payment is made as a fine.
The Threats and Consequences:
Victims of this scam often find themselves on the receiving end of severe intimidation tactics. The impostors use fear as a weapon to manipulate their targets into swift compliance without questioning the authenticity of the ticket. Paying the fake fine seems like the easiest and quickest way to resolve the situation and avoid any potential trouble. However, unbeknownst to the victims, these payments rarely find their way to the appropriate authorities.
Moreover, such scams tarnish the reputation of the genuine Colombian National Police force, as the public may begin to question the legitimacy of every officer. This erosion of trust compromises the essential role of law enforcement in ensuring public safety and security.
Awareness and Prevention:
To combat this escalating issue, it is crucial for both locals and tourists to be aware of the red flags that can help identify fake police officers. Firstly, genuine officers always wear identification badges and carry official identification documents, which should be requested if any doubt arises. It is advisable to request assistance from the actual police force and report any suspicious behavior immediately. Furthermore, one should never make on-the-spot cash payments without verifying the authenticity of the ticket or fine. Utilizing a smartphone to capture photos or videos discreetly can also provide evidence in case of a fraudulent encounter.
If the Colombia police is telling you that he is giving you a “ticket also called multa or comparendo- Código Nacional de Policia” get copy of the document or the radicado number, for your lawyer later verify with the court if it is real or not. DO NOT PAY ANYTHING IN CASH TO THE POLICE OFFICER.
If it is a real ticket, you have the option to appeal and have a hearing with court or Inspector who will rule about the legality of the multa or ticket.
We have represented several US citizens who got “comparendo and multas” and all of them have been dismiss in court because the lack of due process by the side of the police and investigations have been opened to see if there was a crime committed by Coombia police member.
Esteban Rada
Colombian lawyer
Email: info@lawyerscolombia.com
tel +57-3117693976
