What is the Buenos Aires mustard scam?

An accomplice walking past 'accidentally' splashes mustard, ketchup, ice cream or a fake bird-dropping liquid onto a tourist's jacket or back. A second accomplice immediately appears with tissues offering to help clean it off. While the tourist is distracted by the mess they can't see (it's on their back), a third accomplice lifts the bag, wallet or phone. Classified as estafa por distracción under Article 172 of the Argentine Penal Code.

Where does the mustard scam happen in Buenos Aires?

Calle Florida (the pedestrian shopping street, especially the bottom half between Lavalle and Av. de Mayo), Calle Lavalle, the Galerías Pacífico shopping arcade entrances, Plaza de Mayo, and the San Telmo Sunday Feria on Calle Defensa. Less commonly at Recoleta cemetery exits and Palermo Soho weekend markets.

How do I avoid the mustard scam?

Cross-body zipped bag worn in front (not on the side or back) — this single change ends 80% of the risk. If anything is splashed on you in Microcentro, do not stop to investigate; secure the bag with one hand and walk briskly into a shop interior or café before assessing. Refuse any stranger offering to help clean — firm 'no, gracias, lo limpio yo' and step back without turning around.

Where do I report a Buenos Aires pickpocket?

Comisaría del Turista at Av. Corrientes 436 in Microcentro, +54 11 4346 5748. Open 24/7, multilingual (English, Portuguese, Italian, French). They issue the denuncia (police report) in English on the spot — required for any travel-insurance claim. The Defensoría del Turista (tourist ombudsman) at +54 11 4302 7816 handles follow-up.

What if my phone is stolen in Buenos Aires?

Use Find My iPhone / Google Find My Device immediately — Microcentro pickpocket networks often hand phones to fixed buyers near Once, and movement patterns help police track. Report at Comisaría del Turista. Cancel any payment apps (Apple Pay / Google Pay marked as lost). Replacement SIMs are easy at any Movistar, Claro or Personal store with passport.

Is the San Telmo Sunday market a pickpocket risk?

Yes — Sunday 11:00-17:00 on Calle Defensa is the densest tourist crowd in Buenos Aires, and the mustard scam plus general pickpocketing rates rise accordingly. Apply the standard protocol: cross-body bag in front, phone in front pocket, no back-pocket wallet, one card + day's cash only. The market itself is a great experience; the Comisaría del Turista is 10 minutes away if needed.

Common Tourist Scams in Buenos Aires (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-26 · Part of the Buenos Aires safety guide

The pattern — how the mustard scam works

Where: Calle Florida (the pedestrian shopping spine; bottom half between Lavalle and Av. de Mayo is densest), Calle Lavalle, the Galerías Pacífico arcade entrances, Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo Sunday Feria (Calle Defensa). Less commonly: Recoleta cemetery exits, Palermo Soho weekend markets.
The splash: someone walking the other way "accidentally" squeezes a mustard or ketchup sachet onto your jacket or back. Sometimes it's a soft-serve ice cream "knocked" onto you. Bird-poo variant: a fake-bird-dropping liquid sprayed from above.
The helper: within 2-3 seconds a second person appears with tissues, looking concerned, saying "Oh! Bird! Let me help you" or "Mostaza! Permiso!". They turn you slightly and start dabbing.
The lift: while your attention is on the stain — which is bigger than you first thought, on your back where you can't see — a third accomplice (or the helper) takes the bag, wallet or phone.
The escape: the helper "remembers something" and walks off; the original splasher has already left; the third accomplice disappears into the Galerías Pacífico crowd.

If you've been pickpocketed

Comisaría del Turista: Av. Corrientes 436, Microcentro. +54 11 4346 5748. 24/7. English, Portuguese, Italian, French. Issues the denuncia (police report) in English — required for insurance.
Cancel cards: via your bank's app immediately. Argentine card-fraud rings move fast; a stolen card with PIN can be used at ATMs within minutes.
Phone find: Find My iPhone / Google Find My Device — the Microcentro pickpocket networks frequently hand phones to fixed buyers near Once; movement patterns help police.
Passport replacement: UK embassy Av. Dr. Luis Agote 2412 (Recoleta), +54 11 4808 2200. US embassy Av. Colombia 4300 (Palermo), +54 11 5777 4533. Emergency travel documents in 24-48 hours.
Insurance: Argentine denuncias are accepted by all major travel insurers; keep the original and a photo.

FAQ

What is the Buenos Aires mustard scam?: An accomplice walking past 'accidentally' splashes mustard, ketchup, ice cream or a fake bird-dropping liquid onto a tourist's jacket or back. A second accomplice immediately appears with tissues offering to help clean it off. While the tourist is distracted by the mess they can't see (it's on their back), a third accomplice lifts the bag, wallet or phone. Classified as estafa por distracción under Article 172 of the Argentine Penal Code.
Where does the mustard scam happen in Buenos Aires?: Calle Florida (the pedestrian shopping street, especially the bottom half between Lavalle and Av. de Mayo), Calle Lavalle, the Galerías Pacífico shopping arcade entrances, Plaza de Mayo, and the San Telmo Sunday Feria on Calle Defensa. Less commonly at Recoleta cemetery exits and Palermo Soho weekend markets.
How do I avoid the mustard scam?: Cross-body zipped bag worn in front (not on the side or back) — this single change ends 80% of the risk. If anything is splashed on you in Microcentro, do not stop to investigate; secure the bag with one hand and walk briskly into a shop interior or café before assessing. Refuse any stranger offering to help clean — firm 'no, gracias, lo limpio yo' and step back without turning around.
Where do I report a Buenos Aires pickpocket?: Comisaría del Turista at Av. Corrientes 436 in Microcentro, +54 11 4346 5748. Open 24/7, multilingual (English, Portuguese, Italian, French). They issue the denuncia (police report) in English on the spot — required for any travel-insurance claim. The Defensoría del Turista (tourist ombudsman) at +54 11 4302 7816 handles follow-up.
What if my phone is stolen in Buenos Aires?: Use Find My iPhone / Google Find My Device immediately — Microcentro pickpocket networks often hand phones to fixed buyers near Once, and movement patterns help police track. Report at Comisaría del Turista. Cancel any payment apps (Apple Pay / Google Pay marked as lost). Replacement SIMs are easy at any Movistar, Claro or Personal store with passport.
Is the San Telmo Sunday market a pickpocket risk?: Yes — Sunday 11:00-17:00 on Calle Defensa is the densest tourist crowd in Buenos Aires, and the mustard scam plus general pickpocketing rates rise accordingly. Apply the standard protocol: cross-body bag in front, phone in front pocket, no back-pocket wallet, one card + day's cash only. The market itself is a great experience; the Comisaría del Turista is 10 minutes away if needed.

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Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.