Hotel Guests in Chetumal Report Extortion Attempt, Prompt Police Response

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Nine guests at Hotel Juliet in Chetumal reported an extortion attempt after receiving threatening phone calls from someone posing as a police officer, authorities said.

The guests, staying at the hotel on Avenida Héroes near Benito Juárez, received calls from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be an officer from the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC), the state’s citizen security department, and demanded they send photos to simulate a kidnapping, then extort money from their employer.

Fearing for their safety, the guests immediately contacted authorities via the 089 emergency line to report the incident.

The report triggered a coordinated response from the Grupo Centurión, Municipal Tourism Police, and the State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE). Officials confirmed the calls were a scam designed to extract money.

No one was harmed, and no payments were made, authorities said. The guests were not kidnapped as the caller had implied.

Officials urged the public to report any extortion attempts promptly to avoid financial or emotional harm.