Question 1

What is the "Fraudulent Vacation Club Membership Cancellation" scam in Puerto Vallarta?

Accepted Answer

Shortly after arriving in Puerto Vallarta, tourists who previously purchased a vacation club membership are contacted — sometimes through the hotel concierge desk — by individuals claiming to offer official membership cancellation services. They collect large fees upfront, provide false paperwork, and the cancellation never happens. Victims have lost between $1,000 and $10,000 USD. The only legitimate way to cancel a Mexican timeshare or vacation club contract is through PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Bureau) within the five-day statutory rescission period. Never pay a third party for cancellation services.

Question 2

What is the "Timeshare Breakfast Presentation" scam in Puerto Vallarta?

Accepted Answer

Friendly promoters on the Malecón offer free boat tours, whale watching, or restaurant vouchers in exchange for attending a 90-minute timeshare presentation. The presentation lasts 4–6 hours with intense high-pressure sales tactics, and the free gift is often a fraction of what was promised. Decline all offers of free gifts tied to a presentation. There is no free lunch — the cost is your entire morning and relentless sales pressure.

Question 3

What is the "Whale Watching Bait and Switch" scam in Puerto Vallarta?

Accepted Answer

Tour operators on the Malecón advertise guaranteed whale watching (December–March) but take tourists on basic snorkeling trips that happen to look for whales. No whale sightings occur, with no refund offered. Book whale watching with operators who offer a guarantee policy (second trip free if no whales seen). Use operators recommended by your hotel with TripAdvisor certificates. Ask specifically what happens if whales are not spotted.

Tour & Activity Scams in Puerto Vallarta

Fraudulent Vacation Club Membership Cancellation

Timeshare Breakfast Presentation

Whale Watching Bait and Switch

Experienced a scam here?