American Scammer Targeting Cancún Tourists Uncovered

A recent online post has alerted tourists to a scam operating in Cancún. An American man, claiming to be a wealthy victim of robbery, has been deceiving unsuspecting visitors into giving him money. The scammer is known to operate near Chac Mool beach in Cancún.

The man approaches tourists with a tale of being robbed at a nightclub, saying he has lost his wallet, phone, and ferry ticket to Isla Mujeres. He then asks for $17 to repurchase his ferry ticket, claiming he lives on Isla Mujeres and needs to return to care for his Beagle dog.

As part of his elaborate story, the man claims to have sold a business and now owns 14 Airbnb apartments and a mansion on Isla Mujeres. He offers his victims a free one-week stay at one of his properties. Some tourists have even accompanied him to the ferry dock to buy him a ticket.

However, the scam doesn't end there. The man has been seen still sitting in the same location hours later, indicating he never boarded the ferry. He has also been known to contact his victims later, sharing pictures of his supposed properties and dog. These images are quickly recognized as downloaded from Google.

Social media users are advising tourists not to engage in conversation with strangers while on vacation, as scams like this are common in many tourist destinations, not just in Mexico.

In September 2024, there were reports of tourists on Isla Mujeres being targeted by scams from certain businesses, particularly jewelry and craft stores. These scams often target "DayPass" visitors, identifiable by a bracelet indicating they are on a catamaran excursion or staying off the island.