Are Belizeans Falling Victim to Highway Patrol Scams in Mexico?

Oscar Arnold

A known Belize City car dealer recently took to social media to warn Belizeans of an alleged scam in Chetumal that travelers are falling victim to. According to the dealer’s account, Belizean drivers and tourists are being pulled over along the highways and are being informed that their vehicles are stolen. In the process they are reportedly told that they would be let free if they pay twenty-five hundred pesos.  We asked Oscar Arnold, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico, if any such reports have reached his office and what Belizeans should do if this ever happens to them.

Oscar Arnold, Belizean Ambassador to Mexico

“The last report we had of something like that was last year September and that was being resolved. The person who had sold the vehicle, the vehicle dealer, along with the broker, were the ones that we giving or sending the documents to the Mexican authorities to prove that the vehicle was legitimately purchased and it wasn’t a stolen vehicles. That was quickly resolved. What they would have to do, they would have to write in an official letter to the Consul so that we have it on file then we can follow up with the authorities. They need to list if possible where they were, license plate of the patrol vehicle, or even the badge number of the police. Usually they have their names on the uniforms, that sort of thing, so that we can then officially lodge a complaint nuh.”