US Consulate in Cozumel: Fraud and Theft Top Tourist Complaints

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Fraud and theft are the leading reasons U.S. tourists turn to their consulate on the island of Cozumel for help, according to the honorary consul of the United States in Cozumel.

Terri Lynn Barnhart-Ocejo said the majority of fraud complaints from American citizens involve the sale of vacation packages.

The second most common issue is theft, with many tourists reporting stolen documents or passports, she said.

Barnhart-Ocejo acknowledged that such incidents inevitably tarnish the image of the tourist destination, as many visitors leave Mexico with a negative impression of security.

“They feel disappointed, but the quick response from Public Security makes them feel good that at least they were attended to,” she said.

The consulate works to follow up on all cases, Barnhart-Ocejo said, adding that close communication with authorities at all three levels of government is key to resolving many of them.

While she did not provide a total or approximate number of cases, the consul expressed confidence that incidents will decrease as security on the island improves.

Barnhart-Ocejo emphasized that Cozumel still maintains a good international reputation for safety.

“I think Cozumel has a good reputation. People who come to Cozumel are repeat visitors — they come again and again and spread the word to others, and there is no better advertising for Cozumel,” she said.