Mexican Official Warns of Cartel's Expansion into Time-Share Scams Targeting Tourists

Comandante Raúl Valladares, a Mexican official, is sounding the alarm about the growing threat of scams targeting tourists in popular destinations like Cancun, Acapulco, and Puerto Vallarta. In a recent discussion, Valladares highlighted the Jalisco New Generation Cartel's (CJNG) expansion into time-share fraud, which has resulted in significant financial losses for American and Canadian victims.

The CJNG, one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations, has diversified its criminal activities to include sophisticated time-share scams. These scams often target elderly U.S. and Canadian citizens, using tactics such as fake websites and official-looking documents to defraud victims of their life savings. Victims are coerced into making upfront payments for fees, costs, and taxes, with the promise of a lucrative payout that never materializes.

Why this matters: The CJNG's expansion into time-share fraud underscores the growing threat posed by criminal organizations in Mexico's tourist hotspots. As the cartel diversifies its criminal activities, it becomes more resilient to economic disruption and harder to combat, putting more unsuspecting tourists at risk of falling victim to these scams.

Valladares cited specific examples of victims, such as Rod Pratt and Diana Paquette, who lost over $200,000 Canadian to various time-share scams. The FBI received more than 600 complaints related to such scams in 2022 alone, with losses totaling almost $40 million. Experts warn that the time-share fraud is a measure of the cartel's success and diversification.

To protect themselves from falling victim to these scams, Valladares advises tourists to be cautious of unsolicited offers, thoroughly research any potential deals, and seek legal advice before making any financial commitments, especially when dealing with Mexican real estate or time-share transactions. "It's vital for people to remain vigilant and aware of these evolving scams," Valladares emphasized, "as the criminals continue to target unsuspecting victims."

Key Takeaways

• Mexican official warns of CJNG cartel's expansion into time-share fraud targeting tourists.
• Scams use fake websites and documents to defraud victims of life savings, with no payout.
• Victims have lost over $200,000 Canadian, with FBI receiving 600+ complaints in 2022.
• Time-share fraud shows cartel's diversification, making it harder to combat.
• Tourists advised to be cautious of unsolicited offers and seek legal advice before committing.