Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Aguascalientes, Mexico

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced or unofficial taxis. Always use licensed taxis from the airport or reputable companies.

Avoid consuming street food from unlicensed vendors. Ensure the food is cooked in front of you and it's clean.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods from street vendors. Only buy from reputable stores or authorized dealers.

Quality Issues: Counterfeit goods are often of lower quality
Legal Consequences: Purchasing counterfeit goods could lead to legal trouble
Health Risks: Counterfeit electronics may pose fire or safety risks

Be wary of individuals posing as police officers asking for bribes. Legitimate authorities will not ask for money.

Bribe Requests: Individuals claiming to be police officers requesting a bribe
Identity Theft: Fake police officers attempting to steal personal information
Theft: Fake police officers aiding in theft under the guise of a 'search'

Use ATMs inside banks or hotels to avoid skimming devices. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Choose reputable tour guides or companies. Be wary of guides offering lower prices than average.

Never hand over your belongings to someone claiming to find them. Report the item to local authorities instead.

Theft: Thieves claiming to have found a lost item as a ruse for stealing
Extortion: Thieves demanding payment to return the item
Identity Theft: Thieves gaining access to personal information through lost items

Research and book accommodation in advance to avoid overpricing. Compare prices across multiple platforms.

Price Haggling: Hotel owners attempting to charge higher prices upon arrival
Fake Accommodation: Advertised accommodations not existing or significantly different in quality
Additional Fees: Hotels charging additional fees for services that were previously included

Avoid restaurants with no menu prices. Compare prices with other restaurants in the area.

Menu Absence: Restaurants without visible menus, often overcharging
Inflated Prices: Prices significantly higher than in other restaurants for the same dish
Extra Charges: Restaurants adding hidden charges or fees to the bill

Use reputable exchange services or banks. Count your change carefully and check bills for authenticity.

Only buy tickets from authorized vendors or venues. Check for holograms and security features on the tickets.

Counterfeit Tickets: Tickets not being genuine, leading to denied entry
Overpricing: Tickets being sold at significantly higher prices than the original price
Ticket Resales: Buying tickets from individuals who have already used them, resulting in denied entry

Research prices beforehand and compare souvenir prices at multiple shops.

Price Markup: Souvenir prices significantly higher than in other shops
Fake Souvenirs: Souvenirs not being authentic, such as replicas or counterfeits
Quality Issues: Souvenirs of lower quality than advertised

Be wary of rigged games and overpriced items at carnivals. Research games before participating.

Rigged Games: Games designed to ensure you lose, encouraging repeated attempts
Overpriced Items: Carnival items being significantly more expensive than in other places
Inflated Prizes: Prizes being overvalued to justify the high costs of games

Only donate to registered charities or well-known organizations. Be wary of individuals asking for money on the street.

Fake Charities: Individuals pretending to collect for a charity, but keeping the funds
Pressure Tactics: Individuals using emotional manipulation or pressure to solicit donations
Misuse of Funds: Donated funds not being used for their intended purpose

Be wary of strangers offering assistance. Offer help to others in need instead.

Misplaced Items: Strangers finding 'lost' items as a ruse for theft
Distraction Theft: Thieves creating distractions to steal from you while assisting
Scam Artist Identity: Strangers posing as helpers to gain trust and commit scams later