Date of Incident: August 26, 2023, between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
1. Incident Summary
On the morning of August 26, a Japanese business traveler, after having a meal with associates the previous day in Aguascalientes City, took a taxi back to their hotel. An unknown man was also seated in the front passenger seat. The victim fell asleep in the taxi and, upon waking, discovered that their mobile phone and credit cards had been stolen. The driver and the accomplice repeatedly demanded the credit card password. Fearing for their life, the victim provided the password, after which the perpetrators instructed them to exit the taxi and drove away. Subsequently, unauthorized use of the credit card was discovered.
2. Precautions
Criminal incidents involving business travelers and tourists are on the rise. For those hosting visitors, please inform them of local security conditions and precautions:
- Even in states or cities reported to have relatively stable security, incidents involving Japanese nationals have occurred, so exercise caution.
- Using ride-hailing apps is generally considered safer than hailing a taxi on the street. This is especially important for nighttime travel.
- If credit card theft occurs, local police reports may be required for reimbursement. Contact the credit card company immediately to report the theft and seek guidance on necessary procedures.
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