Title: The Flat Tire Scam in Colombia: A Modern-Day Con Game
In recent years, Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, has become notorious for an ingenious scam that targets unsuspecting motorists - the flat tire saboteurs known as pinchallantas. These cunning con artists use a variety of tactics to puncture car tires and then lead their victims to mechanics who are suspected of being in on the scheme, overcharging them for repairs.
The scam begins when a pinchallanta rides up alongside a motorist with a flat tire, claiming that they can help fix it. However, these "good Samaritans" are often the ones responsible for causing the damage in the first place by spreading sharp objects on busy streets or attaching them to their ankles and releasing them onto passing cars. The pinchallantas have perfected this technique, with videos circulating online showing them weaving through traffic while scattering metal shards that cause immediate tire deflation.
Once a motorist falls for the scam, they are often desperate to get back on the road as quickly as possible and may not think twice about paying exorbitant fees for repairs. Bogotá lawyer Felipe Gallo explains how these con artists take advantage of this vulnerability: "When they fix the tire, they make more holes and then they say to you: 'Hey, you have four holes,'" he recounts. "For that price, I could have bought new tires."
The implications of this scam are far-reaching, not only for individual motorists but also for the reputation of Bogotá as a whole. As word spreads about these tire saboteurs and their accomplices in the auto repair industry, tourists and businesses may be deterred from visiting or investing in the city.
From a historical perspective, this scam is reminiscent of other con games that have plagued urban centers throughout history, such as pickpocketing and carjackings. However, what sets the flat tire saboteurs apart is their creativity and ability to exploit modern technology (e.g., social media) to spread fear among potential victims.
In conclusion, the flat tire scam in Bogotá serves as a stark reminder of how resourceful criminals can be when it comes to preying on unsuspecting individuals. As cities continue to grow and evolve, so too will the tactics used by con artists – making vigilance more important than ever for both residents and visitors alike.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/07/27/nx-s1-5477426/flat-tire-scam-colombia-bogota) #flat
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