In the stunning Caribbean city of Cancun, in Mexico, loved by many British tourists for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, an unfortunate scam has been on the rise, targeting unsuspecting travellers planning their dream vacations.
The scam in question revolves around timeshares, affecting both current owners and potential buyers.
The city of Cancun is the main tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula, boasting white sandy beaches, clear blue water and year-round sunshine.
More than 9.5 million visitors landed at Cancun International Airport in 2023. Around 300,000 of those were Brits.
However, more than 5 million US visitors headed there and reports suggest that Americans have been the primary targets of fraudulent activity, with scammers operating in a manner reminiscent of call centres.
For current timeshare owners, scammers initiate calls, demanding payments for fictitious fees such as non-existent taxes.
In the case of potential buyers, deceptive offers for non-existent timeshares are presented, with scammers disappearing with the money once it’s handed over.
Tourists are now being cautioned to stay vigilant and sceptical, particularly when receiving unexpected calls with seemingly too-good-to-be-true timeshare offers.
Authorities advise travellers to refrain from sending money until verifying the legitimacy of such calls directly with their timeshare company.
Timeshares, vacation properties shared among multiple owners, are prevalent in Cancun, with over 600 companies reportedly offering units for sale. While Cancun boasts an array of all-inclusive resorts, timeshares are a common investment option for those seeking repeated visits to the same destination.
To safeguard against falling victim to scams, travellers are urged to only entertain timeshare offers from reputable sources. Additionally, current timeshare owners are advised to verify any payment requests by directly contacting their timeshare provider.
