Woodalls Open Roads Forum: New Scams in Mexico


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Open Roads Forum > RVing in Mexico and South America

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moisheh

North America

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Good Sam RV Club

Posted: 11/14/09 10:08am

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This post is not intended to scare people but rather to inform. In many areas of Mexico the economy is suffering( just like everywhere else). Criminals are also suffering. You cannot rob people who have nothing so they are turning to tourists/foreigners. I had read about some scams further south earlier this year but did not give it a thought. Some of these scams actually originated in the good old USA. Here are 2 that I have heard of in the last few weeks:

You park your vehicle in a Costco or other big box store. A man approaches and say that you damaged his car. You deny any accident and he gets loud and aggresive. Switches to Spanish and all of a sudden his vehicle blocks you from leaving. He asks for $$ and threatens to call the police. Sometimes people on the lot will intervene and scare away the jerks. I would imagine that many would be intimidated.

The second scam happens to persons with a Mexican land line: You receieve a call saying that your family has been kidnapped and if you dont pay a ransom they will be killed. This is an old scam and I think the calls are made from prisons.

Criminals are ingenious and being in a foreign country makes it all the more difficult to avoid being scammed. Practice situational awareness ( thank you Belgique) and avoid any confrontations.

Moisheh

robatthelake

Vancouver Island

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Posted: 11/14/09 11:19am

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Good point on the "Parking Lot Scam"!

Another reason to shop in the places that have "Vigilantes" and Parking Lot Attendants. Tips are always welcome!

It also helps if You are driving an Older Looking Rig or Car. Shake down artists seem to Target the Owners/Drivers of Newer Looking Vehicles. I believe that They Think there is a better chance of obtaining Cash from the apparent Rich! Don't be hesitant about calling a Policeman to resolve any situation. We display the Sindicatura Logo on All of Our Vehicles.

Another thing that should also be avoided is taking Out Really Large sums of Money at ATM's!Be aware of Your surroundings and the Other People that may be Lined up at the ATM's. Flashing Big wads of $$ is a sure way to attract the wrong kind of attention! " Situational Awareness"

* This post was edited 11/14/09 11:25am by robatthelake *

Rob & Jean
Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..Tracker 4X2

Linda2u

Auburn, Ca USA

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Posted: 11/14/09 05:40pm

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Or, do like we do and park on the USA side and walk into Mexico.

robatthelake

Vancouver Island

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Posted: 11/15/09 10:28am

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Just a quick followup. These same type of scams happen North of the Mexican Border as well . Yes Linda even in California and BC Canada!
If You reread The original post You will note that The Scam's Originated in the Good Old USA!

we_rv

USA

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Posted: 11/15/09 10:53am

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Linda2u wrote:

Or, do like we do and park on the USA side and walk into Mexico.

That would put quite a limit on one's travel plans, wouldn't it?

briansue

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Posted: 11/15/09 11:38am

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Back about 25 years ago I was an over-the-road trucker running 48 states. One of the scams (or whatever you want to call it) was for someone to knock on your door in the middle of the night (catching you when you are half asleep and not quite thinking straight) and tell you they saw you hit another truck when you pulled in and they know you did because there is a big scratch on the side of your trailer right where you hit the other guys mirror (or whatever). They want you to get out of the truck to look at the scratch to prove you did what they said. If you do you will get jumped and mugged and could have your truck stolen. Tell them to call the cops or you call the cops. Never ever get out of the vehicle for someone you do not know at 2 o'clock in the morning - or whenever. If there is an accusation of wrong doing then they should be more than happy to call the police. Stay locked in your vehicle where you can be relatively safe.

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