Scam in MexicoFood and drink
An offered tequila shot with an unagreed price in Mexico
How it works
Someone encourages you to take a tequila shot as if it is a casual invitation. You have not agreed on a price, so you may face a charge afterward.
Warning signs
- Someone offers a shot without stating its price.
- They urge you to drink before discussing payment.
How to avoid it
- Ask the price before accepting.
- Do not assume an offered drink is free.
- Decline if the person will not give a clear price.
If it happens to you
Ask for a clear explanation of the charge. Seek help from a manager if needed and avoid a heated confrontation.
- Move to a safe, populated place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed robber.
- Call 911 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent police, fire or medical help.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer. Explain any unauthorized charges or forced withdrawals.
- Save receipts, screenshots, contracts and payment records. Write down the time, place and vehicle or person details while you remember them.
- Report theft or fraud to police and ask for a report or reference number. Request language help if needed.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the an offered tequila shot with an unagreed price scam in Mexico?
Someone encourages you to take a tequila shot as if it is a casual invitation. You have not agreed on a price, so you may face a charge afterward.
How can I spot it early?
Someone offers a shot without stating its price. They urge you to drink before discussing payment.
How do I avoid an offered tequila shot with an unagreed price in Mexico?
Ask the price before accepting. Do not assume an offered drink is free. Decline if the person will not give a clear price.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a clear explanation of the charge. Seek help from a manager if needed and avoid a heated confrontation.
Where in Mexico does this happen?
Cancún nightlife areas It has been reported in Cancún.
How common is this scam in Mexico?
Occasional. Tourist scams in Mexico include timeshare sales pitches, taxi overcharging, poor exchange rates and extra drinks added to bills. Pickpocketing, distraction theft and robbery also happen, though the risk varies by place and time. Check prices before agreeing, keep valuables secure and plan your ride home.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for urgent police, fire or medical help. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. Local police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Bring any receipts, screenshots and identifying details. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police in Mexico City: seek them in the historic center and other major visitor sites. They are specially trained and may speak English or other foreign languages. Guest Assist in Quintana Roo: contact the state tourism ministry's Guest Assist service for 24-hour bilingual guidance and emergency support. No contact number is provided here. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze cards, report unauthorized payments and ask about disputes. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for help after a serious incident or a lost passport. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence for your claim. Green Angels: for non-emergency roadside and travel assistance, call 078. The service is described as English-speaking.
What number do I call in an emergency in Mexico?
Police, fire and medical emergencies nationwide: 911, Green Angels roadside and travel assistance — non-emergency: 078.
Reviewed by @snuck