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Occasional in Mexico

Scam in MexicoTaxis

Taxi robbery and express kidnapping in Mexico

Street-hailed taxis

How it works

A passenger is robbed and may then be taken to several ATMs to withdraw money or use up available card funds. These incidents occur, although taxi safety has improved.

Warning signs

  • The driver does not match the displayed taxi license photo.
  • The vehicle has no visible taxi license or official markings.
  • The driver threatens you or forces you toward an ATM.

How to avoid it

  1. Use a taxi base or ride-hailing app instead of hailing a taxi on the street.
  2. Check the displayed driver's photo against the person driving.
  3. Share the taxi's license plate with someone you trust.
  4. Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a radio taxi, especially at night.

If it happens to you

Prioritize your safety and do not resist threats. As soon as you are safe, call 911, contact your card issuer and report any forced withdrawals.

  1. Move to a safe, populated place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed robber.
  2. Call 911 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent police, fire or medical help.
  3. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer. Explain any unauthorized charges or forced withdrawals.
  4. Save receipts, screenshots, contracts and payment records. Write down the time, place and vehicle or person details while you remember them.
  5. Report theft or fraud to police and ask for a report or reference number. Request language help if needed.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
Where it happensStreet-hailed taxisMexico City

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in MexicoPolice demands for bribes: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi robbery and express kidnapping scam in Mexico?

A passenger is robbed and may then be taken to several ATMs to withdraw money or use up available card funds. These incidents occur, although taxi safety has improved.

How can I spot it early?

The driver does not match the displayed taxi license photo. The vehicle has no visible taxi license or official markings. The driver threatens you or forces you toward an ATM.

How do I avoid taxi robbery and express kidnapping in Mexico?

Use a taxi base or ride-hailing app instead of hailing a taxi on the street. Check the displayed driver's photo against the person driving. Share the taxi's license plate with someone you trust. Ask your hotel or restaurant to arrange a radio taxi, especially at night.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Prioritize your safety and do not resist threats. As soon as you are safe, call 911, contact your card issuer and report any forced withdrawals.

Where in Mexico does this happen?

Street-hailed taxis It has been reported in Mexico City.

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.

Are there similar scams in Mexico?

Yes: taxi fare overcharging, taxi meters that run too fast, long taxi routes to raise the fare.

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.

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