Spanish Tourists Report Fake Diamond Scam at Playa del Carmen Jewelry Store
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A Spanish couple flew back to Playa del Carmen this week to report they were swindled into buying fake diamonds at a jewelry store on Quinta Avenida, authorities said.
The tourists purchased a silver bracelet set with supposed diamonds on May 7 for 36,000 pesos (about $1,800). After returning to Spain, a gemologist confirmed the stones were fake. The couple returned to Playa del Carmen on July 22 and went to the store to demand a refund. The staff told them the manager was out of town and they were not authorized to process returns.
The victims then approached the Tourist Attention and Protection Center, which guided them to file complaints with the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) and the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office.
Police officers later visited the jewelry store to notify the business of the complaint. They noted the establishment had no visible name sign and did not display prices to the public.
Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx
