A disturbing pattern of scams targeting tourists has emerged at Cancun International Airport (CUN). multiple travelers report being overcharged by Uber drivers operating outside the official appbypassing platform security and pressuring passengers to make fraudulent payments.
Tourists are urged to avoid ‘off-app’ payments
Several recent cases show a growing trend of Uber drivers canceling legitimate in-app rides after pickup and insisting on immediate payment, often at inflated rates. This ‘off-app’ scam is reportedly used to exploit foreign visitors who are unfamiliar with local procedures and Uber’s official payment process.
One such incident, shared in a letter to Riviera Maya Newsdescribes how a British couple who arrived from Manchester on December 21, 2025 were charged more than four times the original rate. The Uber driver, reportedly identified only as Carlos “R.” canceled the ride mid-transitciting a technical problem, and then manipulated a card reader to charge 10,000 MXN (approximately $575 USD)– far above 2,500 MXN rate displayed in the Uber app.
The driver also reportedly asked for an additional cash payment after promising that the card amount would be refunded.a refund that never came.
Uber, banks investigate reported cases
Uber has not released an official statement, but the company reportedly will investigate the incident together with the traveler’s sofa. The transaction, processed via Apple Pay, is tracked using merchant and location data.
This scam seems trustworthy confusion, urgency and isolation. Because tourists are often in unfamiliar surroundings and already on their way to their hotel, drivers take advantage of the lack of alternatives and travelers’ reluctance to confront local service providers.
Cybersecurity experts say that’s what such tactics are designed for circumvent Uber’s internal fare protectionsallowing drivers to collect large amounts not declared on the platform.
Travel advice: how to protect yourself
Tourists arriving at Cancun International or traveling anywhere in Quintana Roo should exercise caution:
- Never agree to pay off the appregardless of the driver’s requests.
- If a driver cancels after pickup, leave the vehicle immediately in a safe place.
- Use only verified rides with matching license plates and driver photos.
- Report suspicious behavior directly via the Uber app or airport authorities.
A broader problem in tourist zones?
As Uber resumed operations in Cancun after legal disputes with local taxi unions, friction between taxi drivers and traditional transportation services has led to inconsistent enforcement And gaps in regulations. Travelers have expressed their concerns about this some Uber drivers exploit this legal gray areaknowing that the options for foreign passengers are limited.
Quintana Roo’s tourism board has not yet commented on the recent allegations, but local hospitality workers and hotel concierges are increasingly stepping in to help guests dispute fraudulent charges.
With tourism in the Riviera Maya booming for the 2025-2026 winter season, visitors are urged to remain vigilant when using rideshare services. The pattern of canceled trips, payments outside the app and overcharges now faces broader scrutiny from both public safety officials and digital payment providers.
Both authorities and Uber are being called on to impose stricter penalties and protect international tourists from a potentially growing network of tourists organized scam tactics.
