Street Scams in Mexico City, Mexico
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street 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 Las Vegas, Miami, and New Orleans.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
10
Total in Mexico City
How it works
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists and demand to see their passport and wallet, claiming they are conducting a drug or counterfeit currency inspection. They steal cash or cards during the inspection.
How it works
Criminals in tourist bars and nightlife areas in Polanco, Roma, and Condesa drug tourists' drinks with scopolamine (burundanga), causing victims to become disoriented and compliant. Victims are then taken to ATMs and coerced into withdrawing large sums of cash.
How it works
Some vendors in tourist-heavy market areas like La Merced and Tepito use inaccurate scales or charge prices per unit that are suddenly redefined as per 100g when calculating the total. Tourists unfamiliar with local prices are particularly vulnerable.
See all scams in Mexico City
10 total warnings across all categories