Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cuautitlán Izcalli, México, Mexico
1. Taxi Scams
Watch out for inflated taxi fares or drivers who refuse to use the meter. Always agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Avoiding Overcharges: Prevent being charged more than the standard fare
- Using Meter: Ensure taxi drivers use the meter to calculate your fare accurately
- Negotiating Price: Agree on a price before starting your journey to avoid disputes during the ride
2. Counterfeit Goods
Be cautious when buying souvenirs at markets. Check for signs of poor quality or irregularities in the goods.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure the items you're purchasing are of good quality
- Price Checking: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying for counterfeit goods
- Legal Implications: Avoid buying counterfeit goods to respect local laws and protect intellectual property rights
3. ATM Skimming
Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
- Safe Location: Reduce the risk of ATM skimming by using machines in secure locations
- Covering Keypad: Prevent others from seeing your PIN when you enter it
- Regularly Monitor Accounts: Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity
4. Fraudulent Tour Operators
Research tour operators thoroughly. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from locals.
- Reputation Check: Ensure the tour operator has a good reputation before booking
- Asking Locals: Get recommendations from locals to find trusted and reliable operators
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service provided
5. Overpriced Accommodations
Compare prices for accommodations online. Negotiate with hotel staff for better rates.
- Price Comparison: Ensure you're getting a fair price by comparing with online listings
- Negotiation: Haggle for better rates to get the best deal possible
- Reputation Check: Check the reputation of accommodations before booking to ensure a good stay
6. Exchange Rate Rip-offs
Exchange money at authorized exchange booths or banks. Be wary of anyone offering to change money on the street.
- Authorized Exchange: Exchange money at authorized establishments to avoid getting ripped off
- Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street to minimize the risk of being scammed
- Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments before completing the transaction
7. Overpriced Food and Drink
Avoid street vendors that seem overly pushy or charge unusually high prices. Eat at restaurants recommended by locals.
- Price Checking: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid being charged too much
- Restaurant Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals for affordable and delicious food options
- Avoiding Pushy Vendors: Stay away from pushy street vendors that may overcharge or serve low-quality food
8. Bogus Police Officers
Be cautious if approached by police officers who ask for a bribe or offer to 'help' with a transaction. Legitimate officers will never request money.
- Legitimacy Check: Ensure the police officer is legitimate by asking for identification
- Avoiding Bribes: Refuse to pay bribes or engage in any illegal activities with officers
- Reporting Unethical Behavior: File a complaint if you encounter unethical behavior from police officers
9. Fake Guide Services
Research guides thoroughly. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from locals.
- Reputation Check: Ensure the guide has a good reputation before booking
- Asking Locals: Get recommendations from locals to find trusted and reliable guides
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service provided
10. Transportation Scams
Use official bus stations and taxis. Be wary of anyone offering rides in their private vehicle.
- Official Transportation: Use official transportation services to minimize the risk of scams
- Avoiding Private Vehicles: Refuse rides from strangers in private vehicles to avoid potential scams or danger
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other transportation options before completing the transaction
11. Friendship Scams
Be cautious when meeting new people who seem overly friendly or offer to 'help' with something in exchange for favors. Trust your instincts.
- Suspicion Check: Trust your instincts and be wary of individuals who seem too friendly or overly helpful
- Personal Safety: Prioritize personal safety by avoiding potentially dangerous situations
- Avoiding Obligations: Refuse to get involved in obligations or activities that could put you at risk
12. Fees for Entry
Check entry fees for attractions online. Be cautious if anyone asks for additional fees at the entrance.
- Online Research: Research entry fees for attractions before visiting to avoid unexpected costs
- Avoiding Extra Fees: Refuse to pay extra fees not listed as official charges
- Legitimacy Check: Ensure any additional fees are legitimate by asking for clarification
13. Lost Item Scams
Keep your belongings secure and be cautious if someone finds an item you've lost and offers to 'help' return it in exchange for a reward.
- Securing Belongings: Take care of your belongings to minimize the risk of loss or theft
- Suspicion Check: Trust your instincts and be wary of individuals who offer to return lost items
- Reporting Lost Items: File a report with local authorities if you lose an item
14. Busking Scams
Support legitimate artists. Be cautious when donating money to performers who may not be local or using pre-recorded music.
- Legitimacy Check: Ensure the performer is local and playing live music
- Donating Wisely: Support local artists and those who truly need your help
- Avoiding Pre-recorded Music: Listen carefully to ensure the music is live and not pre-recorded
15. Fraudulent Charities
Research charities thoroughly. Be cautious when donating money to street collectors who may not be affiliated with the charity they claim to represent.
- Reputation Check: Ensure the charity has a good reputation before donating
- Avoiding Street Collectors: Donate to reputable charities directly instead of through street collectors
- Verifying Affiliation: Ensure the collector is truly affiliated with the charity they claim to represent