Tulum, Quintana Roo — State authorities in Quintana Roo have issued a warning to real estate developers, urban planners, and construction companies after detecting individuals posing as inspectors to intimidate and extort them with threats of shutdowns.
The Quintana Roo Secretariat of Sustainable Urban and Territorial Development (Sedetus) said these impostors visit construction sites or urban projects, present themselves as officials, and warn about alleged irregularities to obtain improper benefits.
The agency emphasized that all its inspection personnel must fully identify themselves during any official visit with a valid credential and institutional badge, which include verification elements like QR codes.
“If you receive a visit from someone claiming to be an inspector from this Secretariat, it is important to verify their identity. All our staff must identify themselves correctly,” the agency stated.
Sedetus also provided the phone number 983 835 1700 extension 243 for citizens to confirm inspector authenticity or report any irregularities.
Sources within the agency said they have detected six such cases so far, all in Tulum municipality, where individuals have tried to deceive developers by wearing clothing similar to that of officials.
“They arrive wearing beige shirts and notify them they’re going to shut down operations. The developers contacted us, and we told them to verify the QR codes on the identifications,” the sources indicated.
Although the number of cases is limited, authorities decided to issue the alert preventively to stop these practices from spreading to other areas of the state.
Under Quintana Roo’s current legislation, any individual or entity planning construction, real estate development, or introducing services in human settlements must have the appropriate viability assessment for urban actions or impact mitigation.
Sedetus has the authority to conduct inspection, surveillance, and verification to ensure compliance with these provisions but stressed these actions follow formal procedures with properly identified personnel.
The state agency also reiterated its willingness to provide guidance to those needing to regularize their projects so they can comply with current regulations without resorting to intermediaries or facing fraud risks.
Regarding legal implications, Quintana Roo’s Penal Code establishes penalties for such conduct. Article 220 provides for six months to five years imprisonment and fines for those who, without being public servants, claim that status or use official insignia to obtain improper benefits.
Additionally, Article 123 Bis provides for one to four years imprisonment for those who engage in intimidation or illegal extrajudicial collection, especially if using threats, false documents, or simulating official functions.
The state agency urged developers, business owners, and citizens to remain vigilant about such situations, always verify inspector identities, and report any extortion attempts.
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