Mexico Scams: Phone, Banking & Online Fraud Guide
Common scams in Mexico and how to report to Condusef, the Policía Cibernética, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Mexico sees widespread phone-based fraud, banking and card cloning scams, online marketplace fraud, and investment scams. Condusef (the national financial consumer protection authority) operates a financial fraud reporting portal and publishes a 'No Caigas' list of known fraudulent websites and phone numbers. Cybercrime can be reported to the Policía Cibernética. Mexico has a 911 unified emergency number for urgent situations. Contacting your bank's fraud line immediately after any suspected fraud is the most important first step.
Common scams
- Phone scams impersonating banks or government agencies (IMSS, SAT)
- Banking card cloning and ATM skimming
- Online marketplace non-delivery
- Investment and crypto fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging or unsafe unofficial taxis
- Fake tour operators and excursion sellers
- ATM card-swapping at tourist areas
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing impersonating banks or delivery services
- Fake online shops
- Social media marketplace scams
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake job offers requiring upfront payments or 'guarantees'
Romance scams
- Dating-app and social media romance leading to financial requests
Investment scams
- Fake forex and crypto trading platforms
- Pyramid and multi-level marketing fraud
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank's fraud line immediately to report and block transactions
- Report financial fraud to Condusef at condusef.gob.mx
- Report cybercrime to the Policía Cibernética
- For urgent crimes, call 911
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card. Mexican banks can attempt to freeze or reverse fraudulent transfers most effectively within the first few hours. Never share banking credentials, OTPs, or card numbers with an unsolicited caller.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the Condusef 'No Caigas' portal?
No Caigas is a Condusef tool where you can search and report fraudulent websites, phone numbers, and social media profiles used by financial fraudsters in Mexico.
How do I avoid ATM skimming in Mexico?
Use ATMs inside banks or hotels rather than standalone machines, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, check for loose or unusual fittings on the card slot, and monitor your account immediately after any ATM use.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance