GACS Safe Traveller
Scam alerts & emergency checklist for Cartagena
The emergency numbers and step-by-step incident checklist below are free, right now, no account needed. A free GACS account adds scam alerts for Cartagena while you're traveling.
With a free GACS account you get:
- ✓Email alerts when new scams are reported in Cartagena while you're there
- ✓Save Cartagena to your dashboard so your checklist is one tap away
- ✓The weekly safety digest — new scam playbooks before they reach you
No credit card. No spam. One-click unsubscribe.
Emergency numbers in Cartagena
All emergencies123
Tourist Police+57 5 660 1210
Fire119
Policía de Turismo Cartagena+57 5 660 1210
SIC Consumer Defence (regional)+57 5 663 5510
Most embassies are in Bogotá. Some consulates in Cartagena (US, France). Check cancilleria.gov.co.
If something happens: the first 10 minutes
- 1Get to a safe, public spot (café, hotel lobby, shop) and call All emergencies on 123 if anyone is hurt or in immediate danger.
- 2Freeze cards immediately in your bank app (do this before calling the bank — it's faster). Revoke Apple Pay / Google Pay from a trusted device if your phone was taken.
- 3Change the password on your primary email from a trusted device, then sign out of every other session. Email is the master key to everything else.
- 4Contact Policía de Turismo Cartagena on +57 5 660 1210 to file a report — you'll need the reference number for insurance, banks, and your embassy.
- 5If your passport, wallet, or phone is gone, contact your embassy or consulate now — they can issue emergency travel documents, often same-day. Most embassies are in Bogotá. Some consulates in Cartagena (US, France). Check cancilleria.gov.co.
- 6Photograph the scene, receipts, fake tickets, or the scammer if it's safe — timestamped photos strengthen your police report and any chargeback claim.
- 7Tell your accommodation (hotel front desk / host) — they've usually seen the exact scam before and can vouch for you at the police station or help with a translator.
- 8Report the scam to GACS so the next traveller in Cartagena sees the warning — it takes 60 seconds and helps the whole community.
Screenshot this checklist so it's on your phone even without data.
Traveling with family or friends?
Send them the free Cartagena guide so they know the top scams before they land.
The top 5 scams in Cartagena — with playbooks — are free and ad-free → Read the free Cartagena guide
