Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid unlicensed taxis; always use radio-dispatched taxis or ride-hailing apps for safer travel.
- Unlicensed Drivers: Dangerous drivers with no accountability
- Overcharging: Risk of being overcharged or taken on a longer route
- Theft and Violence: Possibility of encountering theft or violent situations
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors; support local businesses instead.
- Low Quality: Risk of receiving low-quality or fake merchandise
- Health Risks: Possibility of health risks associated with counterfeit electronics and cosmetics
- Support Local Economy: By supporting local businesses, you contribute to Nezahualcóyotl's economy
3. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas or inside financial institutions to avoid skimming devices.
- Skimming Devices: Risk of card information theft through skimming devices
- ATM Locations: Well-lit, busy areas reduce the chances of being targeted for skimming
- Bank Transactions: Use credit cards with fraud protection and monitor transactions closely
4. Street Food Scams
Ensure street food vendors have a health permit and cook in clean conditions to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Health Permit: Verifying if the vendor has a health permit guarantees safe food handling
- Cleanliness: Checking for cleanliness in the food preparation area reduces the risk of contamination
- Taste and Quality: Avoid vendors with unsanitary conditions or poor-tasting food, as they may be cutting corners
5. Overpriced Accommodations
Research accommodation prices online and compare with local rates to avoid overpaying.
- Online Research: Comparing prices online helps you find the best deals
- Local Rates: Avoid paying more than the local market rate for accommodations
- Accommodation Quality: Ensure accommodation meets your standards of cleanliness, safety, and amenities
6. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Book tour guides through reputable travel agencies or research guides online to ensure authenticity.
- Reputable Travel Agencies: Ensure the guide is affiliated with a reputable travel agency for trustworthiness
- Online Research: Researching guides online can provide insight into their experience and reviews
- Authentic Tour Experience: Avoid guides who may lead you to overpriced or fake attractions
7. Counterfeit Money
Exchange money at licensed exchange offices and inspect bills for authenticity.
- Licensed Exchange Offices: Exchanging money in licensed offices reduces the risk of receiving counterfeit bills
- Inspect Bills: Thoroughly inspect bills for any imperfections, as counterfeit bills may have telltale signs
- Bank Transactions: Use credit cards with fraud protection and monitor transactions closely
8. Unnecessary Repairs
Avoid having your car fixed at unlicensed repair shops; use licensed mechanics instead.
- Licensed Mechanics: Ensure the mechanic is licensed and uses genuine parts to avoid further damage
- Genuine Parts: Using genuine parts ensures the longevity of your vehicle
- Unnecessary Repairs: Avoid unnecessary repairs or being charged for work not performed
9. Overpriced Bars and Restaurants
Research prices online and compare with local rates to avoid overpaying for drinks or meals.
- Online Research: Comparing prices online helps you find the best deals
- Local Rates: Avoid paying more than the local market rate for drinks or meals
- Quality and Service: Ensure the bar or restaurant meets your standards of quality, service, and ambiance
10. Exaggerated Prices at Markets
Research market prices online before visiting to avoid being overcharged.
- Online Research: Comparing prices online helps you find the best deals
- Negotiation Skills: Haggling can help you secure a fair price, but be aware of cultural norms and reasonable limits
- Market Quality: Ensure the market meets your standards of quality, freshness, and variety
11. Charity Scams
Research charities online before donating to ensure they are legitimate.
- Online Research: Ensuring the charity is registered and has a verifiable online presence
- Donation Impact: Investigate where donations go, how they are used, and their impact on the community
- Avoiding Coercion: Do not feel pressured to donate; ensure you are making an informed decision
12. Fraudulent Police Officers
Stay in populated areas and avoid displaying valuable items to avoid confrontations with fraudulent police officers.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Reducing the visibility of valuable items reduces the chances of attracting attention
- Stay in Populated Areas: Staying in well-lit, busy areas reduces the risk of encountering fraudulent officers
- Legitimate Officer Identification: Ask to see an officer's identification and verify their legitimacy if approached by police
13. Overpriced Internet Access
Research internet provider prices online before visiting to avoid overpaying.
- Online Research: Comparing prices online helps you find the best deals
- Speed and Reliability: Ensure the internet connection meets your speed and reliability requirements
- Security: Use a virtual private network (VPN) for secure online transactions and browsing
14. Fake Festivals or Events
Research events online before attending to ensure they are authentic and well-organized.
- Online Research: Ensuring the event is organized by a reputable organization or local government
- Event Reputation: Investigate the event's history and reputation for quality, safety, and security
- Ticket Purchases: Purchase tickets from official sources to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets
15. Exaggerated Tour Prices
Research tour prices online before visiting to avoid overpaying.
- Online Research: Comparing prices online helps you find the best deals
- Tour Quality and Reputation: Ensure the tour meets your standards of quality, safety, and cultural sensitivity
- Negotiation Skills: Haggling can help you secure a fair price, but be aware of cultural norms and reasonable limits