A Bogotá taxi driver has been jailed for defrauding passengers out of more than 379 million Colombian pesos (approximately $95,000 USD) through a sophisticated card-swapping scheme, authorities announced on February 21, 2026.
Juan Carlos Naranjo Becerra, the driver, offered passengers the convenience of paying with a card reader inside his taxi, according to a statement released by the Bogotá Metropolitan Police. Though, instead of processing legitimate transactions, he manipulated the device to delay the process and then surreptitiously exchanged the customer’s card for a worthless replica.
The Fiscalía General de la Nación (Attorney General’s Office) confirmed that at least 35 passengers reported being victims of the scam. Once in possession of the original cards, Naranjo Becerra allegedly used the card details and PINs to withdraw cash from ATMs and develop unauthorized transfers.
“The evidence and complaints received during the investigation indicate that this man manipulated the device to delay the transaction,” stated the Fiscalía in a press release. “Taking advantage of any lapse in the passenger’s attention, he would keep the original card and return a replica.”
Police executed a search warrant at Naranjo Becerra’s residence in the Suba locality of Bogotá, recovering two card readers, two mobile phones, cash, and 34 debit and credit cards belonging to various individuals. The arrest was made as part of the “Bogotá Camina Segura” (Bogotá Walks Safe) security strategy, a city-wide initiative aimed at reducing crime.
The investigation began following a series of complaints filed with local authorities. Victims reported noticing the fraudulent charges on their accounts hours or days after using the taxi service. The Fiscalía estimates the total amount defrauded exceeds 379 million pesos, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scheme to file a report with the police. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional suspects being involved.
