A disturbing sample of scams focusing on vacationers has emerged at Cancun Worldwide Airport (CUN). a number of vacationers report being overcharged by Uber drivers working exterior the official appbypassing platform safety and pressuring passengers to make fraudulent funds.
Vacationers are urged to keep away from ‘off-app’ funds
A number of latest circumstances present a rising development of Uber drivers canceling legit in-app rides after pickup and insisting on fast cost, typically at inflated charges. This ‘off-app’ rip-off is reportedly used to take advantage of international guests who’re unfamiliar with native procedures and Uber’s official cost course of.
One such incident, shared in a letter to Riviera Maya Newsdescribes how a British couple who arrived from Manchester on December 21, 2025 have been charged greater than 4 instances the unique fee. The Uber driver, reportedly recognized solely as Carlos “R.” canceled the journey mid-transitciting a technical downside, after which manipulated a card reader to cost 10,000 MXN (roughly $575 USD)– far above 2,500 MXN fee displayed within the Uber app.
The driving force additionally reportedly requested for a further money cost after promising that the cardboard quantity can be refunded.a refund that by no means got here.
Uber, banks examine reported circumstances
Uber has not launched an official assertion, however the firm reportedly will examine the incident along with the traveler’s couch. The transaction, processed through Apple Pay, is tracked utilizing service provider and placement information.
This rip-off appears reliable confusion, urgency and isolation. As a result of vacationers are sometimes in unfamiliar environment and already on their solution to their resort, drivers make the most of the dearth of alternate options and vacationers’ reluctance to confront native service suppliers.
Cybersecurity specialists say that is what such techniques are designed for circumvent Uber’s inner fare protectionspermitting drivers to gather massive quantities not declared on the platform.
Journey recommendation: how you can defend your self
Vacationers arriving at Cancun Worldwide or touring anyplace in Quintana Roo ought to train warning:
- By no means conform to repay the appwhatever the driver’s requests.
- If a driver cancels after pickup, depart the car instantly in a protected place.
- Use solely verified rides with matching license plates and driver photographs.
- Report suspicious conduct instantly through the Uber app or airport authorities.
A broader downside in vacationer zones?
As Uber resumed operations in Cancun after authorized disputes with native taxi unions, friction between taxi drivers and conventional transportation companies has led to inconsistent enforcement And gaps in laws. Vacationers have expressed their issues about this some Uber drivers exploit this authorized grey spacefiguring out that the choices for international passengers are restricted.
Quintana Roo’s tourism board has not but commented on the latest allegations, however native hospitality employees and resort concierges are more and more stepping in to assist company dispute fraudulent expenses.
With tourism within the Riviera Maya booming for the 2025-2026 winter season, guests are urged to stay vigilant when utilizing rideshare companies. The sample of canceled journeys, funds exterior the app and overcharges now faces broader scrutiny from each public security officers and digital cost suppliers.
Each authorities and Uber are being referred to as on to impose stricter penalties and defend worldwide vacationers from a doubtlessly rising community of vacationers organized rip-off techniques.