A troubling pattern of tourist-targeted scams has emerged at Cancun International Airport (CUN), where multiple travelers report being overcharged by Uber drivers operating outside the official app, bypassing platform safeguards and pressuring passengers into fraudulent payments.
Tourists Urged to Avoid “Off-App” Payments
Several recent cases reveal a growing trend where Uber drivers cancel legitimate in-app rides after pickup and insist on receiving payment directly, often at inflated rates. These “off-app” scams are reportedly being used to exploit foreign visitors unfamiliar with local procedures and Uber’s official payment process.
One such incident, shared in a letter to Riviera Maya News, details how a British couple arriving from Manchester on December 21, 2025, were charged over four times the original fare. The Uber driver, identified only as Carlos “R”, allegedly canceled the ride mid-transit, citing a technical issue, and then manipulated a card reader to charge 10,000 MXN (approx. $575 USD)—far above the 2,500 MXN fare displayed in the Uber app.
The driver also reportedly requested an additional cash payment after promising the card charge would be refunded—a refund that never came.
Uber, Banks Investigating Reported Cases
Uber has not released an official statement, but the company is reportedly investigating the incident along with the traveler’s bank. The transaction, processed via Apple Pay, is being traced using merchant and location data.
These scams appear to rely on confusion, urgency, and isolation. With tourists often in unfamiliar surroundings and already en route to their hotels, drivers exploit the lack of alternatives and travelers’ reluctance to confront local service providers.
Cybersecurity experts say such tactics are designed to circumvent Uber’s internal fare protections, allowing drivers to pocket large sums unreported to the platform.
Travel Advisory: How to Protect Yourself
Tourists arriving at Cancun International or traveling anywhere in Quintana Roo should be cautious:
- Never agree to pay off the app, regardless of driver requests.
- If a driver cancels after pickup, exit the vehicle immediately in a safe place.
- Use only verified rides with matching license plates and driver photos.
- Report any suspicious behavior directly through the Uber app or airport authorities.
A Broader Issue Across Tourist Zones?
While Uber resumed operations in Cancun following legal disputes with local taxi unions, friction between rideshare drivers and traditional transport services has led to inconsistent enforcement and gaps in regulation. Travelers have raised concerns that some Uber drivers exploit this legal grey area, knowing recourse for foreign passengers is limited.
Quintana Roo’s tourism board has yet to comment on the recent allegations, but local hospitality staff and hotel concierges have increasingly stepped in to help guests dispute fraudulent charges.
As tourism surges in the Riviera Maya for the 2025-2026 winter season, visitors are being urged to remain vigilant when using rideshare services. The pattern of canceled rides, off-app payments, and inflated charges is now drawing wider scrutiny from both public safety officials and digital payment providers.
Authorities and Uber alike are being called upon to enforce stricter penalties and protect international tourists from what may be an expanding network of organized scam tactics.
