Scams appear to be growing, so it’s time to dust off this thread and add to it. One problem with scams is that often the police are corrupt and in on a scam, or unwilling to take action against the scammers, or on some occasions the originators of the scams themselves. The latter are most commonly known as “la mordida”, or “the bite” - putting a shakedown on someone to pay a bribe for an actual made up offense, or incentive to perform a duty.

Here’s a classic example of a scam that works in concert with the police, as reported by an American Airlines mileages runner intent on earning sufficient Elite Qualifying Dollars to retain his Executive Platinum status with a mileage run to SJD - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. (Some posts that are peripheral to the story have been omitted.)

The subject had a couple of beers in the “Urban Bar”, was charged $300, and when he declined to pay, the police were called. The bar owner took his debit card and passport (with the police apparently assenting), handcuffed, lied to, released on bail (a bribe to be released), and had difficulties leaving Mexico without a passport. He encountered the best of Mexico, and the worst of Mexico. Beware.