Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

1. Border Tax Scam

A scam where unsuspecting travelers are charged an illegal 'border tax' upon re-entry to the U.S. from Tijuana.

Customs Confusion: Leverages confusion about official customs procedures.
False Representation: Falsely claims to be an official U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent.
Coercion: Threatens travelers with penalties for not paying the fictitious tax.

A scam where travelers are given less money in exchange for their own currency at unofficial money exchange kiosks.

Unlicensed Kiosks: Uses unlicensed and unregulated money exchange kiosks.
Overcharging: Charges a higher exchange rate than the official market rate.
Counterfeit Bills: Provides counterfeit bills in change to unsuspecting travelers.

A scam where fake police officers ask for bribes from tourists in exchange for releasing them from a fabricated offense.

A scam where taxi drivers overcharge tourists for rides within the city.

Price Gouging: Charges prices significantly higher than normal rates.
Unmetered Taxis: Uses unmetered taxis or manipulates the meter to increase the fare.
False Destinations: Takes tourists on longer routes, claiming a shorter path is blocked.

A scam where sellers offer counterfeit goods to unsuspecting tourists.

Cheap Prices: Offers popular branded goods at unusually low prices.
Superior Quality: Claims the goods are of superior quality or authentic items.
Guarantees: Provides guarantees or warranties for the goods, but fails to honor them.

A scam where street performers distract tourists while accomplices pickpocket them.

Distraction: Uses loud music or a performance to distract tourists.
Accomplices: Works in pairs: one performs while the other pickpockets.
Bystanders: Involves bystanders who pretend to help but are actually accomplices.

A scam where strangers offer to take tourists' photos then demand payment for the service.

Unexpected Fee: Offers a free photo, but later demands payment.
Persistence: Becomes persistent and confrontational when tourists refuse to pay.
Unfamiliarity: Takes advantage of tourists' unfamiliarity with local customs.

A scam where tour operators charge exorbitant prices for underwhelming tours.

High Prices: Charges significantly higher prices than competitors.
Lack of Transparency: Fails to provide a detailed itinerary or information about the tour.
Hidden Charges: Charges additional fees for services not initially mentioned.

A scam where thieves install skimming devices on ATMs to steal tourists' bank card information.

Skimming Device: Uses a device that records bank card data when inserted.
Camera or Pinhole: Installs a camera to capture PIN numbers, or uses a pinhole to view the keypad.
False EMV Chip Reader: Uses an EMV chip reader that is fake or compromised.

A scam where friendly locals approach tourists and offer help, only to later demand payment.

Offered Help: Initially offers to help or guide tourists.
Unexpected Fee: Later demands payment for the help provided.
Persistence: Becomes persistent and confrontational when tourists refuse to pay.

A scam where restaurants overcharge tourists for meals.

High Prices: Charges significantly higher prices than local establishments.
Misleading Menus: Uses misleading menus with incorrect prices or descriptions.
False Promises: Makes false promises about the quality of food and service.

A scam where rental car companies charge exorbitant fees or damage the rented vehicle.

High Prices: Charges significantly higher prices than competitors.
Damage Claims: Claims damage to the rented vehicle, even if it was not their fault.
Hidden Charges: Charges additional fees for services not initially mentioned.

A scam where unlicensed guides offer tours but provide poor or misleading information.

Unlicensed Guides: Offers guiding services without a valid license.
Lack of Knowledge: Provides inaccurate or misleading information about attractions.
Hidden Charges: Charges additional fees for services not initially mentioned.

A scam where beggars claim to be in need but are actually part of an organized group.

Organized Group: Operates as part of an organized group, often preying on tourists' sympathy.
Disguise: Disguises themselves as disabled, injured, or in distress.
Persistence: Becomes persistent and confrontational when tourists refuse to give money.

A scam where shore excursion operators overcharge cruise passengers for underwhelming tours.

High Prices: Charges significantly higher prices than competitors.
Lack of Transparency: Fails to provide a detailed itinerary or information about the tour.
Hidden Charges: Charges additional fees for services not initially mentioned.