Fake Travel Agencies Scam Tourists in Mexico City

Mexico City — Criminal groups operating with impunity are defrauding couples, travelers, and families through fake travel agencies, using deceptive Facebook profiles to lure victims into fraudulent vacation packages. Investigations reveal that these scams are orchestrated from inside prisons and, in some cases, from the Riviera Maya.

Well-Organized Criminal Networks

Victims who spoke with El Independiente detailed how these fraudsters operate under the guise of reputable hotel chains such as Barceló, Moon Palace, Hyatt, and Presidente Intercontinental. The criminal networks consist of women posing as travel agents, managers, reservation clerks, and even drivers or hotel employees—all colluding to deceive unsuspecting travelers.

Each group comprises between 8 and 14 individuals, each with a specific role. Some recruit clients, others handle bank deposits, while additional members pose as vacation advisors offering beach getaways. Despite operating anonymously, these criminals maintain fake social media profiles to appear legitimate.

Victims Share Their Stories

Martha “N,” a mother of two, recounted how she and her husband lost approximately 20,000 pesos after booking a supposed all-inclusive trip to Cozumel through a fraudulent agency.

“I contacted what I thought was a travel agency in the Caribbean offering flights and a stay at Barceló hotels, including meals, transfers, and tips,” she said. “But as the travel date approached, I realized it was all a scam.”

Another victim, the Tena Camacho family from Puebla, saved for over a year to afford a Cancún vacation for six, including flights with Aeroméxico and an all-inclusive hotel stay.

“We deposited more than 100,000 pesos, only for the scammer to disappear with our money,” they reported. “No reservations were ever made at the Grand Oasis Palm hotel, and there were no flights with Volaris.”

Banks and Authorities Fail to Act

These fraudulent agencies use real bank accounts where victims deposit funds. However, when victims attempt to recover their money, banks refuse responsibility, offering no assistance.

Neither the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (Condusef), financial institutions, nor Mexico’s Tourism Secretariat have taken action to support victims or hold these criminal operations accountable.

A Growing Threat

These scams are not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of organized crime exploiting travelers’ trust. Victims warn others to verify travel agencies thoroughly before making payments.