Tourist Scams Surge in Isla Mujeres as Unauthorized Vendors Flood Streets

Isla Mujeres, Mexico — Unauthorized vendors from Cancún and Playa del Carmen are flooding the streets of Isla Mujeres, scamming tourists with inflated prices and fraudulent practices, according to registered tourism workers who spoke anonymously for safety reasons.

The workers said about 30 people, some clearly identified, operate along the Rueda Medina waterfront without facing sanctions. “They seem to have some kind of protection, which violates the Tourism Regulations,” they warned.

Currently, 25 promoters registered with the Tourism office cover each block of the malecón in an organized manner, from the Fisherman’s Monument to the terminal of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo). These workers must periodically renew permits and undergo training in commercial best practices and visitor service. They direct tourists to authorized points, such as golf cart rental agencies, for a commission without altering price lists.

However, individuals from Cancún rent multiple units, park them at various public points, and sublease them at high costs to visitors—a practice not permitted. “These actions must be eradicated, as they were previously eliminated for causing conflicts and disorder,” the workers said.

Irregular activity has been detected near the Miramar restaurant, close to the “Adolfo López Mateos” maritime recreation cooperative, and another spot near Playa Centro. According to current regulations, all rentals must occur exclusively at the 35 authorized locations.

Since the post-pandemic period, abuses against visitors have increased at jewelry stores, craft shops, and other souvenir businesses. Tourism office officials concluded that the main perpetrators come from Cancún and even Playa del Carmen, where they allegedly have histories of fraudulent practices.

During this time, at least 20 tourists were affected, many failing to recover their money after unauthorized charges on bank cards for amounts different from those agreed upon. Officials recommend paying in pesos rather than dollars. A list of reliable businesses with legal sales, endorsed by frequent visitors like Robert Jones, who praised the friendly treatment from the local population, has been circulated.