In a disturbing trend that continues to plague tourists visiting Isla Mujeres, a recent incident has shed light on another case of fraud at one of the island’s popular rental companies. A foreigner, not affiliated with the company, took advantage of unsuspecting visitors by charging exorbitant prices for golf cart rentals.
The victims, who had arrived from Cancun, were approached by an individual claiming to recognize them from their hotel in Cancun, a clever tactic used to gain trust. The scammer offered them a full-day rental at a price nearly five times the official rate of $75, which is an outrageous 7,000 pesos.
When the tourists discovered the abuse and sought to return the money, they were met with resistance from the seller. After much backtracking, they managed to recover only half of their payment. Fortunately, members of social media groups urged them to file a complaint with their bank about the misuse of their card.
The rental company in question is owned by Mayor Atenea Gomez’s family, and the rental vehicle was registered under an economic number 22. However, the staff at the company claimed that the person who sold it did not belong to the company but was instead an intermediary or commission agent.
The incident has sparked concerns among tourists and locals alike about the prevalence of commission agents in Isla Mujeres. Landlords have warned visitors to ignore these service providers and go directly to each establishment without paying any commission. However, municipal authorities seem hesitant to act against the commission agents authorized by the Tourism Directorate to operate at the Quintana Roo Comprehensive Port Authority terminal.
In fact, some commission agents claim that they are not responsible for the high rates of robbery, as they only charge 10% of the total price. They blame foreigners who arrive from Cancun and have agreements with certain managers of establishments without the owners’ knowledge. These agreements allegedly involve bribes to turn a blind eye to robberies.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance for tourists to be vigilant when visiting Isla Mujeres and to avoid commission agents whenever possible. It also highlights the need for authorities to take stronger action against these scammers and ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience on the island.
Source: Por Esto
