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Old 07-09-2004   #31 (permalink)
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This one was outside of the local YMCA. No ATM there though, what gives

ALL RIGHT, I QUIT!


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Originally Posted by sun seekers
Did they look like this?

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Old 07-09-2004   #32 (permalink)
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Mel

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Originally Posted by FrankRN
See, here is another one. They're EVERYWHERE!
Heck, if Mel had been inside the ATM with ME, I'd have GIVEN HIM anything he wanted! (But then, I'm a girl )
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Old 07-09-2004   #33 (permalink)
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i hope those that think this is funny will be the next victims ...i am telling you all that has happened so that you can be even more aware of the problem. before I went to PDC I thought I was aware of the problem...I choose to use ATM at branch offices of major banks and I still became a victim.
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Old 07-09-2004   #34 (permalink)
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did you ever stop and think that it might have happened somewhere other than Mexico? Com on Momo..we are truely sorry about you being a victim but to wish that on your brotheren...Not playing nice....These events are very rare and there is no way to prepare for it other than doing the things listed in the link James has provided...I have used My ATM card several times all over the world and have never had a problem...Some tips from me...Dont use the ATM when other people are around...Ask them to step out and wait or you wait until there gone...Dont stick your card in anything other than a real ATM at one of the Banks....cover your hand with the other as you type in the pin #....Yell out loud that its a great day as you do this to distract any bystandards that could be spying...Dont set yourself up to be scammed....Im sure you can reduce the chance by taking some precautions....OR just carry cash with you!

This is a NONO
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Old 07-09-2004   #35 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sun seekers
did you ever stop and think that it might have happened somewhere other than Mexico? Com on Momo..we are truely sorry about you being a victim but to wish that on your brotheren...Not playing nice....These events are very rare and there is no way to prepare for it other than doing the things listed in the link James has provided...I have used My ATM card several times all over the world and have never had a problem...Some tips from me...Dont use the ATM when other people are around...Ask them to step out and wait or you wait until there gone...Dont stick your card in anything other than a real ATM at one of the Banks....cover your hand with the other as you type in the pin #....Yell out loud that its a great day as you do this to distract any bystandards that could be spying...Dont set yourself up to be scammed....Im sure you can reduce the chance by taking some precautions....OR just carry cash with you!

This is a NONO
Yes, continue to tell the tourists that La Tourista and La ATM Frauda are rare and they will start to believe you. All the warning in the world won't matter if you are feeling ill, and had to see a doctor in a clinic in downtown tulum. At the time, I hadn't eaten solid food for a couple of days and had runs about ten times...I went to withdraw money to fill the prescription when this happened...did I let my guard down a tiny bit? I may have. But given the circumstances, I did follow a previous recommendation on this forum; go to a branch office ATM instead of a free-standing ATM.

Last edited by momotarosan; 07-09-2004 at 04:39 PM..
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Old 07-09-2004   #36 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by momotarosan
i hope those that think this is funny will be the next victims ...i am telling you all that has happened so that you can be even more aware of the problem. before I went to PDC I thought I was aware of the problem...I choose to use ATM at branch offices of major banks and I still became a victim.
I personally was not meaning to make light of what happened to you. I agree one should be aware that, if something bad has happened to someone at a place of interest to board members, it warrants a posting and warning as a public service. You should realize that many folks who are represented here are very fond of, or have special interests in, the Riviera Maya area. It's not unusual for posts to reflect at least a little sensitivity to what could be construed as negative press. I think the truth always warrants telling. It's the speculation that gets people's engines going.

Also, there are some VERY witty people who frequent this board! Hopefully, it is not intended to be at your expense.
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Old 07-09-2004   #37 (permalink)
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I don't think it's funny, it's happened to several of my friends and unfortunately it's been in Mexico each time. So far most banks absorb the cost and pass it on to their customers (us) in higher fees and lower interest on savings. But they don't legally have to. One of these days they may not. You would think they would employ more sophisticated software to profile transactions and eliminate some of the fraud. I mean one day you’re in Mexico making a $100.00 withdrawal and the next day you’re in Bulgaria making 15 maximum withdrawals, it wouldn't take to much to figure out what's going on.
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Old 07-09-2004   #38 (permalink)
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Sorry

momotarosan ... We do not mean to make light of what happened to you. Hang around and you will see it is a pretty irreverent bunch. I truly thank you for sharing what happened, and it has raised my awareness.

If it make you feel any better to know your not alone, I'll tell you about my snafoo. This past March, the DAY BEFORE we were to leave for PDC, I discovered that $1,500 USD had been taken from my checking account via Paypal. Somehow, my account information was swiped. I still don't know how. They even logged into my email account and blocked email from Paypal so I wouldn't know about it. Of course, I'm a nitwit for having only one password for everything at the time.

Thankfully, my bank is great and credited the money back to my account. I got there before the money was actually transfered from my account. When an electronic transaction is initiated, there is a time lag from when a hold is placed on the funds until the funds transfer. I noticed that my "available balance" had been reduced and acted within minutes.

According to Paypal, the money was headed for Chechen ... one of the Russian Republics.

As you can see, I am no smarter than anyone else, and it CAN happen to anyone. But you have to admit, the Mel thing was a little funny. And on the brighter side, your postings on this subject have gotten you more than half way to the point where the board will stop refering to your member as Junior.
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Old 07-09-2004   #39 (permalink)
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I think this thread has jumped the shark and peoples tempers are getting a little short.

Here's my vote to lock this thread up James.

I think we can all agree that crime sucks and is a problem world wide. The goal here is not to make people believe that crime and sickness are rare in Mexico, but to make sure people understand that Mexico is like every other country. There are always going to be people trying to scam you, but in no way is that more true in PDC than in countless other cities throughout the world. It is also true that PDC is considerably safer than countless cities throughout the world.

To avoid crime, like La Tourista, you need to watch yourself and take the necessary precautions.

I for one hope nobody else on this board has the misfortune of being a victim of crime or sickness.

For those leaving for PDC soon, enjoy yourselves, eat good food and most importantly drink plenty of alcoholic beverages. Oh and lighten up Francis.

JT
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Old 07-09-2004   #40 (permalink)
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I agree--like James we have traveled all over Europe, Canada, and Mexico --and live in Playa two months a year and get most of our money from ATM's and eat in resturants twice a day in Playa. We have never been sick in Playa or have any problems with getting money from ATM's--anywhere. A little caution is always the best bet.
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Old 07-09-2004   #41 (permalink)
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This was taken after the money was returned by the Bank and the Runs went away!





I was poking fun at you a little only because of the Dramatic and detailed discription of your post...Not that you got scammed....

As others have pointed out...This Happens everyday in every city in the world
I hate it when People say things about Playa that make it seem as if it only happens there....I can appreciate the fact that you felt a need to post it
for us to all be aware of, however if you are gonna hang around on this board you are gonna have to get used to the humor(right or wrong time) Feel free to make light of anything I post and I will laugh with you....

3 Questions.

1- did you get refunded the money?
2- Are you feeling better now?
3- Are you going to return to Playa?

Last edited by sun seekers; 07-09-2004 at 06:59 PM.. Reason: So James wont have to!
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Old 07-09-2004   #42 (permalink)
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[quote=sun seekers]if you are gonna hang around on this board you are gonna have to get used to the humor(right or wrong time) !!!

(Momo just like your previous George W post and the comments that followed)


And if you are nice to Tommy he will even do a poll for you



ps.... stay away from the off topic section
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Old 07-09-2004   #43 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sun seekers
This was taken after the money was returned by the Bank and the Runs went away!





I was poking fun at you a little only because of the Dramatic and detailed discription of your post...Not that you got scammed....

As others have pointed out...This Happens everyday in every city in the world
I hate it when People say things about Playa that make it seem as if it only happens there....I can appreciate the fact that you felt a need to post it
for us to all be aware of, however if you are gonna hang around on this board you are gonna have to get used to the humor(right or wrong time) Feel free to make light of anything I post and I will laugh with you....

3 Questions.

1- did you get refunded the money?
2- Are you feeling better now?
3- Are you going to return to Playa?
1- hell yes I will get my money back. but it's a P.I.T.A. to have to close and open accounts and other paperwork.
2- si, la medicina es buena...ahhhhhh! and I couldn't belive it only cost 30 pesos to see El Doctor...
3- si, como no...

I just can't belive that these two rare events both happened on the same trip! ai, Caramba!

Last edited by momotarosan; 07-09-2004 at 05:40 PM..
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Old 07-09-2004   #44 (permalink)
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I appreciate Momotarosan's advising us of this event, and the tips that have ensued. I doubt I"d be in a joking mood if it happened to me...it's a good reminder to US to pay attention.
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Old 07-09-2004   #45 (permalink)
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Don"t take our so-called humor to heart

Momotarosan, thanx for the post & the heads up. I have just got my 1st pin #,old fashioned,carry $, & credit cards.Please don't take the "humorous" digression on this post to heart. We are a nice group,a little loopy sometimes,& everyone gives a well aimed jab at another now & then. I think we all know how serious it is,& how we would feel. I have been robbed in Miami Fla. & ripped off in St. Kitts W.I. too,so know the feeling.Hopefully the banks will get smarter than the crooks at some point.lol. Gail

Let the sun shine.
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