Watch Out For These Common Scams In Popular Beach Locations In Mexico

Anyone who travels the world has come across scams whereby locals try to relieve travelers of their vacation cash. However, these six common scams in Mexico really take the cake. Anyone visiting Mexico for the first time should be aware and know what to look out for. However, even well-seasoned travelers could also get targeted for their hard-earned cash.

Top common scams in Mexico beach locations

Gone phishing in Mexico

Anyone with an email account knows of scammers trying to take advantage of victims. Known as phishing, scammers are sending out bait to hook them. The recipient is asked to click a link and type their password, while confidential information has been stolen before they know it.

Scammers regularly use the background of the travel industry to send emails and social media messages that look identical to certain popular brands of hotels, airlines and cruises. According to the latest reports, Cancun visitors have become a major target.

Drawing cash in Los Cabos

Los Cabos is one of the most popular beach destinations for US travelers and is widely considered to be a safe location. However, there are bad guys everywhere trying to relieve travelers of their hard-earned cash.

Any traveler who needs cash while in Los Cabos should take care when using local ATMs as this growing scam. While victims are using the ATM, especially if they look worried or concerned, people approach them offering their help. However, if that help is accepted, the card will likely never be seen again.

Travel agency fraud in Cabo

Another scam involves travel packages that don’t exist and many Cabo tourists have fallen victim to a travel agency that also doesn’t exist. Reportedly, people fell victim to a fake travel agency in the Tamaulipas state. Several victims paid around $3,000 for a trip to Cabo, but allegedly due to a staffer with a severe illness, refunds were said to be coming but never arrived. Meanwhile, the “travel agency” has closed for good.

Fake tickets for Cancun, Mexico

As travelers to Mexico know so well, Cancun is a hugely popular destination with its idyllic beaches and excellent resorts. However, despite the popularity of the city, scams also happen here. While exploring the area, many travelers wish to visit the eco-tourism park Xcaret. However, here many tourists have been duped into purchasing fake tickets for the location. Meanwhile, fake travel agencies were taking thousands of dollars from tourists before they realized the tickets weren’t valid.

Isla Mujeres and fake jewelry

Isla Mujeres is another popular destination outside of Cancun, which attracts many Americans each year. However, while the location is beautiful, local tourist stores can take advantage of unsuspecting travelers. Many have complained of fake jewelry bought from the stores with take stones falling out after purchase. They also faced unpleasant salespeople while trying to return the goods.

Fake tours in Playa del Carmen

When visiting Playa del Carmen, many travelers express interest in seeing Cozumel on guided tours. However, many of the advertised tours turn out to not exist and people known as “pirate operators” are con artists selling non-existing tours to victims. What makes them convincing is that the alleged tour operators speak fluent English which makes them seem trustworthy.

Travelers should take care to avoid these scams and have the best vacation in Mexico.