Internet Vacation Package Fraud On The Rise In Los Cabos

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Last Updated 1 year ago

Tourists planning their next getaway to Los Cabos need to stay aware and vigilant when booking accommodations on the Internet.

According to government officials, they are getting an increased level of reports from tourists that have been scammed when planning their vacation adventure.

Vacation Package and Accommodation Scams

Because of the increased popularity of Los Cabos as a premier beach resort destination in Mexico this year, online scammers are working overtime trying to take advantage of the increase in tourism.

According to reports being filed with the Investigation and Analysis Unit of the State Preventive Police from visitors to Los Cabos, the current level of tourist scam activity is centered around two items.

First, the selling of low-cost travel packages to Los Cabos. The second is the vacation rental of homes and condos for short-term Los Cabos visitors.

The scammers wait for tourists to lower their guard because of the excitement of a vacation in Los Cabos. They offer low-priced Los Cabos tourist packages or accommodations and then accept a deposit, or even full prepayment, for the special travel deal.

Once the tourist arrives in Los Cabos ready for their vacation, they find out the package is nonexistent or that the scammer was unable to provide the vacation accommodation rental because they do not own the property being rented.

In many instances, the scammers are using actual pictures and property descriptions from real vacation accommodations and package websites for Los Cabos to create the perception that their “special” is real.

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However, unlike the other vacation package and rental sites, the tourist is dealing with a scammer instead of the actual property owner in Los Cabos.

How Tourists Can Protect Themselves

Los Cabos tourists can protect themselves by getting the contact name, number, and address of the company or individual in Los Cabos they are working with.

According to the recent reports filed with the Investigation and Analysis Unit of the State Preventive Police, Los Cabos tourists aren’t even doing that minimal level of due diligence. They simply make the payment, and the scammer disappears without any way for the police to investigate.

Los Cabos tourists should beware of scammers that ask to wire or send the entire amount of the reservation or package using popular payment apps. Avoid sending the entire amount of the purchase and insist upon only a small deposit instead. Also, don’t send any deposits using Western Union.

The police recommend that visitors to Los Cabos fully investigate the companies and property owners they are working with, including getting references from customers that have used the service.

This way, tourists can follow up with individuals to make sure they are satisfied with the service they received for their Los Cabos vacation.

The Investigation and Analysis Unit of the State Preventive Police also recommends working with reputable websites that have ratings and protection standards built into the service to prevent tourists from being taken advantage of by online scammers.

Los Cabos tourists should also compare the price of the package or accommodation to other similar packages or accommodations available for the dates of travel.

The old adage that “if the price is too good to be true, it probably is” is a good idea to keep in mind when booking an online deal to Los Cabos.

If a traveler is questioning working with a vendor of vacation packages or tourist accommodations, they are invited to reach out to the Investigation and Analysis Unit of the State Preventive Police in Los Cabos to make sure the individual or company is not already under investigation by the unit.

They can be reached in Los Cabos at +52 612 175 0400 ext. 1053 or via email at [email protected].