Pull over

Question: On a recent crossing from Mexico back to the U.S., I was stopped for an alleged traffic infraction in Tijuana. The police ended up taking me to an ATM, where I withdrew $500 in cash. Then they then let me go. What could I have done?

Rob Gonzalez

Claremont

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Answer: The letters we receive often deal with broken promises (by airlines, hotels and other travel providers), bad treatment (by airlines, hotels and other travel providers) and unruly behavior (by everybody).

But this goes way beyond unruly. It is maddening at best and frightening at worst.

At least it was when it happened to me about three years ago. My travel mate and I got stopped for “impeding traffic.” We were lucky this was the only charge. Others have reported being falsely accused of drinking or having drugs. We got off for a mere $40 donation to the “Tijuana Policemen’s Fund.”

Alas, this is one of the dirty little secrets of travel. Extortion of tourists happens more often than is reported. It’s not confined to Mexico, of course, but because so many of us cross the border so often, whether to enjoy Baja’s beaches or to shop, we may get our turn on the horns of this dilemma.

And some people worry that new Mexican traffic laws, which went into effect this summer and allow drivers to be cited for, among other things, not wearing seat belts, for talking on cellphones or for having windows tinted too darkly, may increase your chances of a fraudulent ticket. The new laws, they think, are just another vehicle for officers to supplement their incomes.

The problem is so prevalent in Mexico that the State Department’s consular information sheet acknowledges it: “In some instances, Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. . . . In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating some elements of the police might be involved. . . . Tourists should be wary of persons representing themselves as police officers or other officials. When in doubt, ask for identification.”

So how do you protect yourself if you get stopped for an “infraction”?

“Try to get the name and badge number and specifics” about the officer, said Michele Bond, deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizen Services. (This might also be a new use for the camera on your cellphone.) The traveler also should ask for a copy of the citation, she said.

You also can offer to accompany the officer to the police station to settle the matter. This is said to discourage a phony citation.

If you’re in a hurry you may be tempted to offer a “donation” to the “Policemen’s Fund.”

Before you do, remember that trying to bribe an officer is a crime, so you may want to reconsider trying to buy your way out of trouble. That’s one purchase it may not pay to make south of the border.

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Have a travel dilemma? Write to travel@ latimes.com.