The Zihuatanejo Tourism Department received and referred two complaints of fraud involving lodging services during the 2026 summer vacation period, mainly related to alleged rental homes advertised through false information on Facebook pages, said the department’s director, Jesús Gallegos Galván.
The official explained that the victims contacted the people offering the accommodations from their hometowns and subsequently made deposits as advance payments to secure a supposed reservation.
Upon arriving in Zihuatanejo, the visitors discovered that the reservation did not exist, prompting them to seek guidance on how to report what had happened.
Consumer Protection Agency Handles Cases
Gallegos Galván stated that both cases were referred to the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, while the Tourism Department provided assistance to those affected so they could receive attention and guidance.
He noted that this type of fraud is not exclusive to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and can occur in different tourist destinations through fake advertisements, social media profiles, or supposed intermediaries who request bank transfers to reserve properties.
The official urged people to exercise extreme caution before sending money or providing personal information to anyone offering accommodations online.
Recommendations to Verify Before Making a Deposit
Municipal tourism authorities recommended booking services through formally established travel agencies, official hotel websites, or recognized platforms for renting houses and apartments.
Before making a deposit, travelers should verify that the property exists, review the provider’s information, be wary of prices considerably lower than usual, and avoid making transfers when there is not enough information to verify the authenticity of the offer.
It is also advisable to keep conversations, payment receipts, screenshots of advertisements, and the banking information used in the transaction, as these may be useful when filing a complaint or report.
The department urged visitors to carry out these checks before beginning their trip, especially during vacation seasons, when demand for accommodations and offers promoted through social media increases.
Source: meganoticias
