We have compiled a list of the most common gay male stripper scams here.

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It is our opinion to avoid these establishments to keep yourself from becoming a victim of these gay male stripper scams.  For liability reasons we can not confirm or deny that you will be a victim at these clubs.  However, we are providing you with information to try and prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

After being scammed out of thousands of dollars from these clubs, we decided to inform our LGBTQ+ family of ways to keep you from becoming a victim of credit card scams, private dance deceptions, and other gay male stripper scams.  Learn about our commitment to help keep you safe while exploring this beautiful and welcoming city.

It is in your best interest not to take a credit card to these establishments.  You run the risk of getting hundreds of dollars in drinks placed on your card.  Do not start a tab.  Pay for each drink individually with pesos, and ask for the price of the drink before ordering.  Unfortunately credit card scams are the most commonly reported scams.

Dancers will aggressively attempt to take you for a private dance.  Again use pesos and negotiate the price before going with them.  It is common for the stripper to charge your credit card multiple times and to add additional amounts even after you have left.  You also run the risk of having your credit card number stolen.

Wear clothes that have a zippered pocket or some kind of mechanism to keep your money or credit cards secured.  It is common for multiple dancers to surround you to give you a massage or rub your back while taking your wallet or other valuables.

Handing over access of your phone to a stripper is giving them access to apps where they can transfer your money to their account.  This money is difficult to get back through apps like PayPal.  The stripper will say you sent them the money for escort services or drugs.  Work with your bank to stop the transfer when you are notified.  You can open a claim in PayPal, but your bank will have to stop it.

Never leave your drink unattended, and watch the bartender as they make it.  Think it will never happen to you?  Think again.  You are in Mexico, and these folks have access to any illegal drug they want.  Be vigilant and aware of what is going on around you.

These guys are not your friends.  They are seasoned scammers with one objective.  They want to get as much of your money that they can.  You are setting yourself up if you leave with one or two of these guys.  They will tell you they have a sick Mom in another country.  They will say or do anything to make you feel sorry for them.  Don’t.  They are making around $500 US a night on average.  Watch out for you.  

Determine in advance how much money you will need for drinks and tipping the dancers.  Only bring your ID and pesos.  You can walk everywhere so keep your wallet and phone in your hotel.  It is also common to have your phone or even ID taken.  The strippers work only for tips so they can be aggressive with you because they need to make money.  If you are visiting off-season they are even more desperate for money, and will do whatever they can to take anything valuable you have.

Everyone who works here knows what is happening.  Complaining to management is like complaining to the stripper.  If you call the local police they are going to make you pay them a “tip” not to arrest you.  Get out of there as quick as possible, notify your bank or visit your local embassy.   Report it to your country’s Law Enforcement.  You will not get help or sympathy from anyone here.  Scams on Foreigner’s help pay everyone involved, and these people are experts in scamming you.

Spend your money with the local shop owners and artists in the Art District.  The local Mexican hardworking people deserve your money.  Spend it in their shops.  Buy beautiful artwork and crafts.  These people are the heart of Puerto Vallarta and what makes the city so special.  They depend on your tourist money to survive.  The only way to change what is happening in these gay strip clubs is to avoid them completely.  There are so many more ways to have fun in this city.  Get pampered at a real salon.  Buy some artwork, go shopping, if you are looking for a hookup there are guys everywhere willing to do that for free.

If you have specific concerns about safety or scams in Puerto Vallarta, I recommend doing some research beforehand, reading reviews from other visitors, and staying informed about any current issues. If you need any more assistance or information about Puerto Vallarta, feel free to ask.