Destinations › Mexico › Mexico City › Scams
Mexico City, Mexico
12 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Mexico City, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Fake "police" ask to inspect wallets or documents near tourist areas, then pocket cash.
"Express kidnapping": a fake or complicit taxi driver detains a passenger and forces them to withdraw cash from ATMs before release — always use app-based or hotel-arranged taxis.
Unofficial street-hailed taxis (vs. app-based or sitio taxis) charge inflated fares or take deliberately long routes.
Some mezcalerías and craft-cocktail bars in Condesa/Roma Norte serve unmarked tasting flights with no price disclosed, producing bills far above expectations.
Fake vacation rental listings collect payment for a property that doesn't exist or isn't actually available.
Timeshare touts lure tourists with a "free" gift, tour, or meal into a high-pressure sales presentation.
A stranger claims a popular restaurant or attraction is closed, then recommends an alternative that's overpriced or pays them a kickback.
Street or airport touts offer city tours that sound like a great deal but turn out subpar, overpriced, or entirely fraudulent.
ATM skimming devices installed on machines to capture card data — bank-branch ATMs are safer.
Street vendors and small exchange counters shortchanging tourists paying with large peso or dollar notes.
Pickpocketing on crowded Metro lines serving the historic center and airport.
Market vendors near tourist sites selling counterfeit goods as authentic branded items.
