Online Scams in Mexico City, Mexico
Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers. Below are the online scams scams reported in Mexico City — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like New York, Cancun, and Tijuana.
Last updated: April 6, 2026
2
Online Scams Scams
19
Total in Mexico City
How it works
Criminals create attractive profiles on dating apps including Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr, match with tourists, and arrange meetings at bars or restaurants in areas like Zona Rosa or Doctores. Victims are either robbed after being isolated in an unfamiliar location or have their drinks spiked before being taken to ATMs. The U.S. Embassy issued a formal security alert about this pattern in Mexico following multiple reported kidnappings of foreign nationals who met contacts through dating apps.
How it works
Criminals call tourists in their hotel rooms claiming to have kidnapped a family member, using screaming accomplices and personal details found on social media to make the threat credible. Victims are pressured to stay on the line and wire ransom money immediately before verifying the claim. This scam is well-documented in Mexico City hotels and is frequently attributed to organised criminal groups operating call centres.
See all scams in Mexico City
19 total warnings across all categories