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.
2. Money Exchange Scam
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.
3. Fraudulent Police Scam
A scam where fake police officers ask for bribes from tourists in exchange for releasing them from a fabricated offense.
- False Arrest: Falsely arrests tourists on trumped-up charges.
- Extortion: Demands a bribe for release from the fabricated charge.
- Coercion: Threatens tourists with further penalties if they do not comply.
4. Overpriced Taxis Scam
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.
5. Counterfeit Goods Scam
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.
6. Street Performer Scam
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.
7. Photograph Scam
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.
8. Overpriced Tour Services Scam
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.
9. ATM Skimming Scam
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.
10. Friendly Approach Scam
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.
11. Overpriced Food Scam
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.
12. Car Rental Scam
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.
13. False Guide Scam
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.
14. Beggar Scam
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.
15. Shore Excursion Scam
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.