The 5 Most Common Scams in Cancun And How to Avoid Them

Cancun is a prime destination in the Mexican Caribbean for travelers seeking a slice of paradise. And yes although Cancun is a relatively safe city to travel, there have been reports of some common scams targeting tourists that you should be aware of. And this is what you are going to find out in this post.

Hi! This is Isabella, an Italian expat in Cancun since 2010. During all this time, while enjoying the sunny Caribbean life in Cancun, I have also experienced some of those unpleasant situations that I would like you to avoid.

Hence, this post. Please read it until the very end so that you know what to look out for, stay safe and enjoy this spectacular beach destination!

From restaurant scams to shop scams, vanishing tour companies, inflated taxi fares and much more.

So let’s get to it.

The 5 Most Common Scams in Cancun

1. Restaurant Tip Scams

I have talked about this popular restaurant scam in a dedicated post. It was reported a few months ago that some restaurants, particularly those located in tourist-heavy areas, used to sneakily add the gratuity to the bill as a ‘service charge’ or similar fee.

This deceitful practice leads patrons to unwittingly double-tip, as it’s customary for most to leave a tip without scrutinizing the bill closely.

This issue, initially thought to be isolated, was later exposed as a widespread scheme to defraud customers, not just in Cancun but across numerous establishments in the tourist-centric state of Quintana Roo.

Following numerous complaints, several restaurants faced repercussions for their actions. Although this particular scam seems to have been addressed, I still recommend that you remain vigilant as other dubious practices persist. These include exaggerated billing, the addition of unspecified taxes, or waitstaff subtly pressuring for tips.

Such behavior is not only frustrating but also grounds for formal complaints to the restaurant’s management or to PROFECO, the federal consumer protection agency.

It’s important for you to remember that, unlike in the U.S., tipping in Mexico is entirely optional and should be based on your satisfaction with the service. If the service does not meet expectations, customers are under no obligation to leave a tip.

2. Taxi and Transportation Fraud

Here are a few notes on taxis in Cancun:

• In Cancun, Taxis don’t have meters, so they can charge whatever fare they want, and some take advantage of unwary customers. So remember, before getting on a taxi, you have an idea of what it may cost and always agree on a fare.

• Also, unless you have called a taxi through a UBER or DIDI app, you can only pay cash, so make sure you have Mexican pesos with you; otherwise, they will rip you off on the exchange rate.

• Additionally, it’s advisable to use authorized taxi services to minimize this risk. You can find them by taxi stands or outside hotels, hospitals, or bus stations. Keep in mind that they would charge more than a taxi that you hail on the street.

• From Cancun Airport, it’s not advisable to use a taxi and Uber is not available. I would recommend booking a private transportation service as it’s cheaper, safer and more reliable. Or check out all the recommended ways to get from the Cancun airport to your hotel.

• Uber app works in Cancun, but only from Cancun Downtown and away from taxi stands and hotels. You can’t call an UBER in the Hotel Zone or from the Airport.

3. Major Scam in Souvenir and Gas Station Shops

Unfortunately, this scam happened to my mum in my presence, and it was very frustrating. We were in one of the shopping centers in the hotel zone, purchasing a souvenir, and my mum paid with a 500 MXN note, waiting for the lady to give her her change. I was distracted, looking elsewhere, not expecting what was coming.

I don’t remember exactly what was the due change, as it was a while ago. But the shop attendant was insisting that my mum pay with a smaller note. After some discussion, I decided not to engage further because it would have been useless. I also wasn’t 100% sure we were right, as my mum is not so familiar with the Mexican bill, so I let go.

However, after that episode, I heard more and more cases like mine. This is especially true in a Gas Station when you pay with a 500 MXN.

Usually, they come back with a smaller change, insisting that you pay with a 200 MXN note instead.

So the lesson here is to never let the guard down. Don’t get distracted. Also, familiarizing yourself with Mexican bill notes and knowing their value in your currency is helpful.

If something like this happens to you, make sure you report it to the authorities.

4. Fake Vacation Scam

This type of scam occurs before you reach Mexico, when you book your trip through an unknown website or operator. There has been an increase in cases of fake bookings and people being robbed of their “deposits”.

How does it work? You find a beautiful, colorful Travel Agent account, usually on Facebook or instagram or even a webpage, made so well it looks real and professional. You book your trip, they ask you a deposit and they disappear!

How to prevent it? Avoid booking on Facebook or Instagram unless the accounts are popular and renowned, and you are 100% sure about them.

Use reputable travel agencies, either local ones, where you actually physically walk in or popular online ones such as Expedia for packages, or Booking.com and VRBO for Hotels and Vacation rentals. This wa,y you are sure your booked vacation is real.

5. Time-Share and Real Estate Swindles

While exploring Cancun, you might encounter various forms of timeshare scams. Often, tourists are enticed with the promise of free gifts, only to be roped into high-pressure sales presentations pushing them to purchase timeshare services that may not be as legitimate as they seem.

To avoid falling victim to such schemes, always be wary of offers that appear too good to be true because they aren’t and do thorough research before attending any sales meetings.

In Cancun, you are approached for a time-share opportunity, right at the Cancun International Airport, before you get out. Make sure you stay skeptical of high-pressure sales tactics and avoid engaging. You don’t really want to spend half a day of your precious vacation in a conference room of your hotel.

Also, keep in mind that even some time-share deals can be interesting, there is always the risk that you get hooked for life with unreasonable and useless lifetime fees to pay. So much so that there is a Mexico Travel warning from the US Embassy in Mexico against Time-share and real estate fraud.

Most Common Scams in Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions

How can travelers recognize and avoid timeshare scams in Cancun?

Timeshare scams in Cancun often involve offers of free gifts or tours in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation. If an offer is too good to be true, it’s not true. Nobody would offer a tour for free for no reason.

What are some common tactics used by taxi drivers to overcharge tourists, and how can one prevent them?

Usually, they pretend they told you a price in US instead of MXN Keep in mind that 100 MXN is about 7 USD. It’s also easy for them to inflate the rate if you disagreed on a specific price before the ride started.

How can I identify and avoid fraudulent excursion companies while visiting Cancun?

You can’t. That’s why I recommend avoiding booking tours from vendors on the beach or on the street. The best way to avoid getting scammed is to book your tour either with the concierge of your hotel or online, on reputable platforms such as VIATOR or Get Your Guide

5 Most Common Scams in Cancun: Final Thoughts

I hope that after reading this post, you now know what you have to look out for during your vacation in Cancun. But please don’t let these scammers let you have second thoughts about your Cancun Vacation.

Just stay aware of your surroundings and enjoy the spectacular beaches and all the amazing activities that Cancun offers.

Before you go…

• 19 Best Markets in Cancun: Your Ultimate Cancun Market Shopping Guide 
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• Playa Chac Mool Cancun: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting
• The 45 Best Things To Do In Cancun [Tips from a Local]