An American citizen has reached out to San Diego Red to accuse BC Logistics, a transport company based in Tijuana, of being linked to a group of scam artists known as montachoques—criminals who stage car accidents to extort drivers. The incident, which took place in January, resulted in the victim losing 23,000 pesos (over $1,000 USD) after being coerced into transferring the funds to an account under the company’s name.
The victim, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said he was forced under threat to transfer the money and that the perpetrators also attempted to withdraw an additional 32,000 pesos, a transaction he managed to block upon realizing it was a scam.
Intimidation and threats
The man recounted that the incident occurred on January 13 in Tijuana’s Zona Río. While driving through the area, his car was rear-ended by another vehicle carrying a man and a woman. The pair quickly exited their car, accused him of causing the crash, and made a call. Soon after, a man who claimed to be an insurance adjuster arrived on the scene.
Identifying himself as Miguel Arce from Comercio Automotriz, the agent rapidly assessed that the fault was his and estimated around 23,000 pesos in damages to the other vehicle.
The victim pointed out that both the fake agent and the other driver demanded immediate payment, raising their voices and issuing threats. Fearing for his safety, especially as a senior citizen, he felt compelled to comply.
He also noted that the man pulled out a mobile credit card reader and offered to charge for the damages on the spot, warning him over and over again that, as an American, this was the only way to avoid jail time and having his car towed—a move these extortionists often pull.
Apparently this first transaction wasn’t enough for the fake adjuster, since he tried to charge him again while the other driver stole an iPad and a pair of AirPods from his car, something he noticed later. The woman who accompanied the suspect even took his phone at one point and deleted the photos he had taken as evidence.
“I was a victim, and they took advantage of me through threats and constant intimidation. They leave you no choice but to comply. The whole thing took less than ten minutes—it was quick and well-rehearsed. I want to report that this group is organized and that the company receiving the funds is involved,” he said.
The senior added that the fraud was confirmed when he checked the folio number on the damage estimate, which turned out to be fake.
He said American Express, his credit card issuer, is handling the case with its legal department. Lawyers have already contacted BC Logistics to investigate its possible involvement.
According to its official website, BC Logistics is an international transport company with over 20 years of experience in maquiladora sector services. Its address is Avenida Aeropuerto, Ejido Tampico, 22430.
The company was registered in the Public Commercial Registry on January 28, 2013, under the name BC LOGISTICA INTERNACIONAL, with Sergio Mar Valenzuela as manager and Alejandra Mar Valenzuela as partner.
San Diego Red attempted to contact the company, but none of the phone numbers listed on their website or social media accounts answered calls.
A company number that appears on the fraudulent payment receipt rang out with an automated message: “The number you dialed is unavailable or out of service.” Attempts to reach them via WhatsApp at a San Diego-based number (area code 619) also failed.
Another phone number with an extension listed on the website was called multiple times, but always gave the same message: “We are unable to take your call at this time.”
San Diego Red even tried reaching Miguel Arce, the fake adjuster, at the number on the business card he gave the victim, but this led to a similar path.
American Express fails to support cardholder
Despite evidence linking BC Logistics to a fraud scheme operating in Tijuana, American Express refused to reimburse the amount claiming the transaction was not covered by its insurance. The decision has drawn criticism, as it appears to side with the perpetrators, and leave the cardholder effectively unprotected.
Elderly Americans, among the most frequently targeted
Before this incident, San Diego Red had already published an investigation in which authorities, business leaders, and tourism officials voiced concern over the rising number of montachoques, noting that elderly individuals and foreign tourists are most often targeted.
Authorities describe these scammers as criminals who stage car accidents in order to extort unsuspecting drivers. The operations are well-organized, and the perpetrators often use intimidation to manipulate their victims.
Facebook groups contain multiple accounts of such scams. Some posts even identify a man driving a white Nissan Kicks involved in at least three scams targeting elderly drivers in La Mesa, Insurgentes, and Cerro Colorado.
“Four months ago, in Hipódromo near El Taconazo, this person staged a crash with my father-in-law (an elderly man). His method is to fake a minor collision, accuse you of causing it, and ask to move to a ‘safer’ place,” wrote a user.
“He offers to help call your insurance and, with an accomplice posing as an agent, convinces you to settle privately, claiming your insurance is invalid because you moved. They scammed my father-in-law out of 30,000 pesos. My husband showed up, but they had already left.”
Scam victims now avoid returning to Tijuana
The toll of these scams goes beyond money. Victims like the man in this report, as well as others on social media, say the trauma has left them fearful, with some even choosing not to return to Tijuana—a city they once visited regularly.
Others report avoiding driving altogether, fearing they’ll be targeted again. The feeling of vulnerability and the lack of protection from authorities or institutions, they explain, can turn a single event into a lasting emotional crisis.
Investigations are pending
When asked about these criminal networks, local authorities said they are monitoring the situation and plan to investigate further, especially since the main targets are elderly drivers.
Congresswoman Aracely Brown, who participates in joint security committees with federal and state officials, has pledged to look into the issue, although she admitted it hasn’t been formally addressed in those meetings yet.
Meanwhile, the Baja California State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) said they’re aware of the problem and are encouraging the public to file formal complaints, as they currently have only one specific report related to montachoques incidents.
What to do if you’re targeted by “montachoques”
To avoid falling victim to this type of scam, authorities recommend the following:
- Get a valid Mexican auto insurance. U.S. policies that cover border areas usually only reimburse payments after formal claims.
- Stay calm and remain inside your vehicle. Do not get out or respond to provocations.
- Call 911 and your insurance company immediately.
- Do not agree to financial settlements without an insurance adjuster or police present.
- Verify the identity of any insurance agent with ID, uniform, and company documentation.
- Document the incident with photos and videos of vehicles, damage, and people. Scammers often flee when filmed.
- Use a dashcam recording front and rear views.
- File a report.
General Provisions for Motor Vehicle Drivers
Article 24 of the Tijuana Traffic Regulations establishes the following obligations:
- Maintain a safe following distance: Drivers must keep enough distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure timely stopping. This is essential to prevent collisions, even if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.
- Reduce speed and stop if necessary in the presence of pedestrians: Drivers must slow down, stop if needed, and take appropriate precautions when approaching pedestrian concentrations. Sudden braking is allowed if necessary to prevent harm or danger.
Interpretation and Application in Rear-End Collisions
General Rule: In rear-end collisions, the trailing vehicle is typically held responsible for failing to maintain a safe distance and react appropriately to the leading vehicle’s braking.
Sudden Braking: The regulation does not prohibit sudden braking when necessary. If a driver brakes suddenly to avoid a hazard (such as a pedestrian or another vehicle), they are less likely to be held liable, even if another vehicle crashes into them from behind.
