Mexico Unites Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic Put Tourists at Risk – A New Wake-Up Call for Global Travelers!

Published on December 2, 2025

Latin America’s archaeological sites, beaches and urban festivals attract millions of visitors each year. Official travel advisories note that criminals have adapted to this influx by developing scams that exploit trust, technology and travellers’ unfamiliarity. Common patterns include online fraud, payment‑card theft, schemes to smuggle drugs, bogus taxis, impostor officials and sedative‑laced drinks. This article summarises those warnings for Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Agency names are omitted from the text; references appear at the end.

Mexico: Digital Fraud and Card Skimming

In Mexico, scammers use email and social media to feign emergencies or announce lottery wins or inheritances. Travellers should ignore such requests for money or personal data. Another problem is card skimming: criminals attach devices to cash machines or payment terminals to clone cards. Visitors are told to use ATMs inside banks or secure shopping centres, shield keypads when entering identification numbers, monitor account statements and carry minimal cash.

Brazil: Drug Couriers, Romance Traps and Payment Fraud

In Brazil, criminals sometimes ask tourists to transport luggage containing illegal drugs; travellers should never carry items for strangers. Romance scams are also common: relationships initiated online may lead to invitations to Brazil where victims are coerced into handing over money or smuggling contraband. Payment‑card fraud is widespread; criminals clone cards, and dishonest merchants may claim machines are broken to swipe multiple times. Travellers should use ATMs in banks or shopping centres, cover keypads, disable contactless functions, monitor accounts and avoid unsecured public Wi‑Fi.

Peru: Fake Taxis, Impostor Officials and Spiked Drinks

Peru’s airports and bus terminals are exploited by unlicensed taxi drivers who take passengers to remote areas where accomplices rob them; tourists should book transport through official ranks, hotels or ride‑sharing apps and avoid hailing cars on the street at night. Impostor police officers stop travellers, cite fabricated violations and demand cash or seize valuables; visitors are advised to ask for identification, note badge numbers and request written fines. Fraudsters also pose as volunteer organisers or property owners, asking for deposits for programmes or rentals that do not exist. Another threat involves drugged drinks and snacks; travellers should never accept food or beverages from strangers and should keep their drinks in view.

Argentina: Distraction Thefts and Express Kidnappings

In Argentina, petty crime often involves distraction. In Buenos Aires and other cities thieves cut straps or snatch phones, sometimes using the “mustard scam” in which one person distracts while another steals. Travellers should keep bags in front, decline unsolicited assistance and remain alert in markets. Brief kidnappings have been reported: victims are held long enough to force them to withdraw money from cash machines before being released. Advisories suggest avoiding displays of expensive jewellery or electronics, using licensed taxis, remaining vigilant when leaving banks or ATMs and watching drinks to prevent spiking.

Colombia: Dating Apps as a Lure

In Colombia, there has been a sharp rise in crimes linked to dating applications. Criminals use online platforms to arrange meetings at restaurants, hotels or private residences; when victims arrive they are drugged and robbed. Many cases go unreported due to embarrassment. Travellers are urged to meet online contacts only in public places, inform friends or family of their plans and ask hotel staff to verify visitors’ identities. Authorities warn against physically resisting robbery, noting that compliance reduces the risk of injury.

Dominican Republic: Romance Ruses and Spiked Treats

The Dominican Republic attracts many visitors, but romance scams and drugged refreshments are risks. Criminals build online relationships and then request money or personal details or arrange meetings that lead to extortion or theft. Travellers should limit what they share online, use secure networks and avoid meeting online acquaintances in private locations. Another scam involves drinks, gum or snacks laced with sedatives; tourists are advised to refuse offers from strangers, monitor their beverages and avoid leaving drinks unattended, even in resort bars.

Conclusion

The scams described across these countries share common threads: criminals impersonate trustworthy figures, play on emotions and exploit opportunities created by tourism. Whether through a phoney email, a friendly stranger offering to carry a bag, a pretend taxi driver or a match on a dating app, the goal is to isolate travellers and take their money or valuables. Official advice is consistent: use licensed transport and reputable booking services, secure cards and limit cash, verify identities, meet online contacts only in public and decline unsolicited offers of food or drink. Staying informed and aware enables visitors to enjoy Latin America’s culture and landscapes while reducing the chance of being scammed.

References

1. Advisory detailing internet financial scams, bogus inheritances and timeshare rescue schemes in Mexico[1][2].
2. Notice on credit‑card skimming and ATM fraud in Mexico[3].
3. Advisory warning about drug‑courier schemes and online romance fraud in Brazil[4][5].
4. Notice on payment‑card fraud and cybercrime in Brazil[6][7].
5. Advisory about fake taxi drivers, impostor police and volunteer or rental scams in Peru[8][9][10].
6. Notice on drink spiking and drugged food in Peru[11].
7. Advisory describing street thefts, distraction scams and express kidnappings in Argentina[12][13].
8. Notice on drink spiking and personal safety in Argentina[14].
9. Consular alert about dating‑app scams and rising crime against visitors in Colombia[15][16].
10. Advisory warning about romance scams and drug‑laced food and drink in the Dominican Republic[17][18].