veedey shared a harrowing experience from a recent remote work trip to Medellín, Colombia, to caution fellow digital nomads. Though fluent in Spanish and familiar with local culture—being Colombian by birth—they were still targeted in a calculated robbery. After reconnecting with a trusted travel companion from Brazil, they met two women at a street soccer event. Concerned about safety, they vetted the women through local contacts and were reassured enough to meet up again. Unfortunately, their caution wasn’t enough. The women drugged their drinks with anesthesia, rendering them unconscious, and they awoke the next day in a stranger’s apartment—robbed and disoriented.
Despite the trauma, veedey was fortunate to recover their stolen funds thanks to the protections offered by their U.S. bank. Their friend, who banked locally in Colombia, wasn’t so lucky. Later, veedey managed to track the thieves using digital breadcrumbs left behind in a Rappi food delivery account—uncovering their full identities and home address. Though all of this was reported to the authorities, no legal action was taken. The experience highlights the hidden risks of traveling and working abroad—even for locals or experienced travelers—and serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant, even in seemingly familiar places.
