Summary
In Bogotá, Colombia, some people on motorcycles deliberately puncture car tires to trick drivers into paying for overpriced repairs. These scammers, known as "pinchallantas," lead drivers to repair shops that may be part of the scam, causing further damage to the tires to increase repair costs. The authorities are now trying to stop this fraudulent activity by targeting repair shops suspected of involvement.
Key Facts
- In Bogotá, a scam involves puncturing car tires to lead drivers to repair shops that overcharge.
- The scammers are called "pinchallantas," which means "tire-puncturers" in Spanish.
- The scam is often carried out by people on motorcycles who place sharp objects on the road.
- These objects cause slow leaks, or immediate deflation, forcing drivers to seek repairs quickly.
- Authorities are targeting repair shops for suspected collaboration with the scammers.
- More than 100 complaints about this scam are reported each month in Bogotá.
- Police temporarily shut down a repair shop for out-of-date business permits and suspected involvement.
- Despite efforts to catch them, the con men are hard to catch, as they work quickly.
