As the holiday season reaches its peak, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) has launched the “2024 Summer Vacation Operation” to protect tourists from scams and frauds that could ruin their travel experiences. This initiative, which started on July 17 and will continue until August 25, aims to ensure a season free of setbacks through stringent surveillance and verification of products and services offered to travelers.
Objectives and Warnings
David Aguilar Romero, head of Profeco, underscores the importance of being cautious with suspiciously cheap offers and travel packages, particularly those advertised on social networks. “It is crucial not to fall into the trap of buying travel packages at extremely low prices on unverified platforms. Avoid making payments through convenience stores or transfers to accounts sent via WhatsApp,” Aguilar Romero warned.
Enhanced Protection Measures
To provide quick and effective solutions to vacationers, Profeco has established permanent modules at several high-traffic international airports:
- Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA)
- Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM)
- Cancun International Airport
- Felipe Carrillo Puerto Tulum International Airport
- Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport
In addition, temporary modules have been installed at the airports of Mérida, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Villahermosa, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey, Tijuana, Los Cabos, and Toluca. Main bus terminals across the country have also been equipped with these modules to extend protection to travelers using various modes of transportation.
Immediate Assistance and Resolution
The scope of the operation extends beyond airports to include hotels, resorts, restaurants, and seasonal clothing and footwear stores. Profeco’s objective is to ensure that travelers can resolve any inconveniences without disrupting their vacations. Tourists encountering issues can contact Profeco via the consumer hotline at 55 5568 8722, available to handle complaints nationwide.
Last Year’s Success and Current Focus
During the previous summer vacation season, Profeco served 15,600 consumers and facilitated 771 immediate reconciliations, addressing problems such as missed flights, overbooking, and itinerary changes. This year, Profeco’s focus is on ensuring that trips are as pleasant and free from unpleasant surprises as possible. Aguilar Romero also urges providers to display clear prices, respect discounts for seniors, students, and teachers, and avoid discriminatory practices and undue charges.
Tips for Safe Travel
To avoid falling victim to fraud, tourists are advised to:
- Purchase travel packages from recognized platforms and agencies.
- Verify the authenticity of offers before making any payments.
- Avoid making cash deposits at convenience stores or wire transfers to unknown accounts.
By following these tips and taking advantage of Profeco’s “2024 Summer Vacation Operation,” travelers can enjoy their vacations with greater peace of mind. Prevention is key to a worry-free holiday, ensuring that tourists can travel confidently and safely.
For more detailed information on travel tips and consumer rights, visit Profeco’s official website or contact their customer service hotline. Enjoy your travels and stay vigilant!