Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Quintana Roo Secretariat of Tourism has issued an alert to tourists and residents following the increasing detection of fraudulent websites impersonating legitimate businesses in the sector. These scams primarily target visitors during peak vacation seasons.
Over 100 Fraud Cases Reported in 2024
According to Omar Govea, Undersecretary of Tourism for the state, authorities identify up to 20 fake websites each month that clone the branding of hotels, travel agencies, or booking platforms to offer nonexistent services.
"This is not a new issue. During vacation periods, it’s common for scammers to clone hotel or agency websites, advertising services that don’t exist. In 2024 alone, we detected over 100 cases," Govea explained.
He emphasized that the state has requested intervention from the Attorney General’s Office and the Cyber Police to locate those responsible, take down fraudulent pages, and impose penalties.
Authorities Urge Vigilance When Booking Online
In response to the surge in digital fraud, officials are urging the public to carefully verify website links before making payments or reservations. Key recommendations include:
- Using only official websites.
- Confirming the site has an SSL security certificate (https).
- For government institutions, checking that domains end in ".gob.mx."
- Avoiding links shared through unverified or untrustworthy sources.
Enhanced Digital Surveillance in Tourism Sector
The Secretariat of Tourism assured that it will continue actively monitoring the internet to curb these fraudulent practices, which not only cause financial losses but also damage trust in Quintana Roo’s tourism industry—one of Mexico’s top destinations.
Officials reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious activity to prevent further victimization.
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