I got scammed at the Mexican border
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2024
- Explore the gripping tale of Paul's unfortunate encounter at the Mexican border in 2016! Join us as we recount his journey from Salinas, CA, to Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico, and the unexpected twist that unfolded at the border crossing. In this video, discover the shocking details of how Paul fell victim to a scam when an imposter posing as a border agent approached him. Uncover the deception, learn from Paul's experience, and gain valuable insights to protect yourself from similar scams. Don't miss out on this cautionary and eye-opening story - watch the video now to ensure your border crossings are safe and secure!
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Great story, thanks for sharing! Got scammed by a border agent. Gave me a 180 days permit but put on the computer only 7 days which is a free permit. I paid him 600 pesos for the permit and never gave me a receipt so he could pocket the money later. I found out about it when i went to get my residency permit and the officer at INM told me that my permit expired already. The whole thing cost me another 1500 pesos that I have to pay to get my residency. The moral of the story is that you should pay for that permit with a CC and always ask for your receipt.
Oh man.. there’s so many different things to keep an eye on. Thanks for sharing this tip as well!
It was nice meeting you yesterday! Thanks for all the good info!
Great to meet you too! Bienvenidos 😃
WHAT!? Crazy story and thank you for sharing.
I know pretty wild! Thank you for watching 😃
I have been living in Mexico since 2009. Many times the scams are just a few pesos and I overlooked that. One time when my Mexican 'friend' scammed me and I found out, I asked why did you do that, you are my friend.
He said "What did you expect? You have it and I need it."
Sad situation, there are bad apples everywhere. Obviously, that particular individual is unethical. But obviously, a whole country can't be judged by one individual.
That is wjat i keep telling my husband who has been to mexico 20 times in last 10 years and made "friends" with many but somehow he always footing the bill when he visits them or sends them money cause of one issue or another they are having.he says they my friends,i say no you their sugar daddy, thst is the culture mindset,even if friends they think you got it thry need it so they will take it.pisses me off.which he would wake up.
@@hpp2021 Yes. I had a friend who went to one European country. He was rushed by a group of older kids probably around 12 to15 years old acting like they were asking for something. But a couple of them were pick pocketing him while the others were busy distracting my friend.
Tucson born and bred , sorry this happened to you. Tucson and the desert southwest is truly magical and full of amazing people but we are a tough bunch having to deal with the heat and if you grew up in the hood you had to become very Street smart….. very quickly. I miss crossing that Nogales border so much . Blessings and shalom
I really enjoyed my time driving through the desert and seeing the sunrise and sunsets, it is really special. Thanks for sharing.
I’m 65 yrs old and I’ve traveled and lived in Mexico countless times. I’ve even traveled by myself. I’m glad to say that I’ve never really had a bad experience like that, however I know that it does happen. One thing is that I’m very cautious. I always try to take the safest route even if it costs me more money. Just the stress level must have been terrible 😮.Safe travels
I’m glad you haven’t had any problems. Most people never have any issues but from time to time it does happen. Thanks for sharing.
hey man. I listen to podcast of some guys that often ride motorcycles down there. and yes this sounds very very similar to their stories of crossing many times
Interesting. Do you have the name of the podcast?
6:20 Wow you're lucky that's all that happened. Your advice is sage. Thank you.
I crossed the border August 2023 at Del Rio, Texas (Ciudad Acuna) and somehow understood that I needed to go into the customs office to obtain my vehicle permit to travel to Puerto Vallarta. This border crossing was very small and the three girls in the office spoke hardly any English. I also needed photocopies of my license, registration and passport. My dog barks incessantly at anyone who approaches my vehicle; this was likely my saving grace.
Yes they want copies of everything! In this video I gave some tips for those looking to bring their car into Mexico: czcams.com/video/G84OcZutiYY/video.htmlsi=sFgqk0UTt1zsfVT3
@@MovingToMexiCo thanks for sharing from one CZcamsr to another 🤗
Never fun when you are taken advantage of. Glad it turned out not too bad.
Yes, I’m glad too.
@@MovingToMexiCoSome People have been taken for ransom
Good info. Thanks
Glad it was helpful. Thank for watching
Life lesson, NEVER let anyone in your space. Glad you're ok. I am an American/Jamaican. A Jamaican would probably assault you, or worse. I am glad the Mexican still have humanity. I just adore them. Thanks for sharing. I am glad you' are ok. 🫢
Im glad I’m ok too! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. Just another angle these guys try
Thanks for watching
Very nice neighbourhood you walked through. Betty is a smart dog! She liked us. Lol. Your Mom must have been quite worried to receive the photo you took that day! Glad everything turned out alright.
Yeah she was! But luckily nothing too bad happened. When did you meet Betty?
Yes, I was very concerned about Paul driving by himself. 🙏
Nothing happened with me in my motorhome. Thankfully I met my Mexican partner at KM 21 and we traveled the rest of the way to Bucerias without incident. Just some police checking for money and drugs who came into the RV in Sinaloa, but I didn't have anything exciting, so they left. No bribes asked for. I was a bit paranoid after seeing all of the stories online, but smooth sailing.
Good to hear you had a smooth trip without incident. What was your favorite place to visit along the way?
I liked the beach in Las Glorias. Quiet and private. Navigating the motorhome through Guayamas on the day the roads were closed for a parade was a bit nervewracking, though. But a friendly Mexican family got us back on track, as the GPS was insistent we go through the parade route.. Mazatlan was nice as well. Will have to go back for a longer visit. @@MovingToMexiCo
I think that 500 pesos was cheap for a lesson learned. 😂
Absolutely!
I got an American friend who has a Mexican wife. A couple of policeman caught him going backwards on an exit. They started to speak to him outside his car while his wife waited inside. They told him they were going to tow his car unless he paid $100. When he went back to tell his wife, she went outside and spoke to them. She came back, telling him that they didn’t have to pay anything. I wish I knew what she said. He told me he didn’t know either.
It would be interesting to know what she said. I have a few ideas.
@@MovingToMexiCo Me too! I will have to give them a call and ask her. I know they just came back from Mexico City where she spend 45 years of her life. I’m thinking her “Chilango” streetwise self knows a few survival tricks.
what a story! now I dont feel so bad being scammed for 50 pesos at breakfast this morning. we ordered 2 coffee and cake specials they had on the chalk board out front. when we for the bill they had charged us full rice for all the individual items. we questioned it and at first he apologized and said he would change the bill. he soon came back and told us that the cakes we ordered were not part of the special and that it only applied to brownies and tarts. yet on the chalk board it said pastel. unfortunately my Spanish isnt good enough to debate with the guy and my Mexican girlfriend gave in too easily. so he got 220 pesos that was on the bill and we will never go back there again. and I think that is the big thing that you overlook in your story... a lot of people wont have the language skills to get themselves out of that situation.
That’s unfortunate for that business. They should have let you know what was and wasn’t part of the deal.
Wow I wonder how they can stay in business over charging people like that, you would think people would never eat there, I would never go back if that happen to me
Mexican businesses only overcharge Gringos (Americans) they would never do this to a Mexican citizen. If you are not from Mexico, they know the minute you open your mouth and start speaking, it is what it is. Best way to deal with this is learn spanish, and be firm with Restaurants, refuse to pay for overcharges and by the way, there is NO tips in Mexico. Do not pay or give a tip! if it is added, refuse to pay it. I am speaking from many years of experience going to Mexico since 1998. @@jeffshaffar5522
So sorry- I love Mexico & the people, but have also been scammed by Federales & Border Patrol 😢
It’s an unfortunate reality.
Great advice-trust your dog! So interesting; animals always know. I have only been the victim (overstating it, really) of one attempted scam in Mexico-some woman squirted mustard all over my friend and me, claiming it was bird poop, and then tried to “help” wipe it off. This is really one of the dumber scams out there and my friend and I didn’t fall for it. I was pretty pissed about my cashmere sweater! But surprise, you can wash it! I’m sure that’s important info! As a woman, I would never cross alone. That’s just the reality women live with. Your accent in Spanish is really good!
Thank you! I’ve heard people talk about the scams here in bucerias. Another I’ve heard is someone tells you in the grocery store parking lot that you dropped your credit cards. Then someone else comes over and takes your purse from inside your car.
We've been driving through Mexico from Santa Cruz CA since 1995 without really any problems, but you said it, and you're right, traveling solo is different. We always traveled with at least one other car, helpful. Also, though my family is Mexican, I am Caucasian and I have noticed I am less bothered overall, even by transit cops, while my wife's family ends up paying for 'traffic infractions.'. Also, drive during daylight whenever possible.
Santa Cruz! Somos vecinos. Interesting that your wife’s family has more issues than you do. Where in Mexico do you travel to?
@@MovingToMexiCo Before it was Tamaulipas and Veracruz, but now mainly to Mexico City and Puebla where we have a house. Pretty much fly now, but do drive once there...but with a Mexican plate so no real issues.
WHY would you ALLOW ANYONE IN your Car you are blessed to be ALIVE BUT people need to USE COMMON SENSE
Thanks 🙏
There's always that first time! BTW, the last time I was in Bucerias was in 1994.
Wow! Thanks for watching.
yes, 50 pesos for one copy? I pay 1 peso for a copy. Good that the lady warned you.
Yes, that was crazy.
Trust a dog or a cat. Animals pick up on bad vibes from people. As you mention these days one can read up on the internet for information on what and where it has to be done when driving a car into Mexico.
Animals just know. They do pick up on vibes!
Your lucky it was only $30
For sure
Yikes that intro drone shot. That beach looked filthy
The recent strong swells have tore up the beach. What you’re seeing is actually just rocks and driftwood.
That’s the only thing about living here that I hate. They see those non Mexican tags and they try to scam you every time. This happens to me every time I go to Quintana Roo. It’s one reason why I’m considering moving somewhere soon.
Are they running the same scam or a different one?
FEEL LUCKY U DID NOT GET TAKEN FOR RANSOM
Yes 🙌
That's damn right. Mexico is no longer the safe playground it once was. Just two months ago, in the town I have been living in for over 30 years, some suspicious punks tried to kidnap me, to get in to an unknown taxi. Luckily, another taxi driver that knows me, showed up just at that moment, and the criminals zoomed off. You just never know when that moment arrives. The End!
dont feel bad weve all been scammed. We live and learn. Its happened to all of us.
Thank you. I’m glad it wasn’t too bad.
Traffic cop in Bucerias scammed me for 1500 pesos. I was in my son's new truck. Cop saw a gringo with lots of cash. Never pay them. They suck
It’s better to just pay the ticket and not give the bribe. The tránsitos are bad.
I’m not sure you were scammed. It seems to me you sensed what was happening and giving up the 500pesos, and being assertive, was a small price to pay to get rid of him. Glad everything turned out ok for you.
Yes thank you.
Was wondering what language you were conversing at the border, English or Mexican? Am thinking of driving down myself someday.
I was not speaking Spanish. I was speaking English.
@@MovingToMexiCoThat's it! I assumed you were speaking Spanish, even broken spanish. From my half century of living here, foreigners who don't speak spanish should not even think of coming to one of the most corrupt and dangerous nations on earth, especially importing a vehicle. The Mexico of 2024 is NOT the Mexico of 1980, when I first started coming here.
Who lets strangers into their car in the US ... No one. Why would u do this in Mexico
Over-compliance with border agents.
Usually when a border agent tell you things, the normal thing is to do what they say. This is just 100% Corruption.
Por qué no agarró Ud el billete de la basura?
Que bueno la pregunta. Yo creo en este momento, el tienia un ego porque yo “Esto es más de lo que deberías conseguir” ¿Me estaba mostrando que no era nada?
The dog is smarter than you
I agree
Dixie doesn't like anybody 🤪
Haha! I’ll bring Dixie next time for extra protection 😉
Ha ha, she will 👍
absolutely 😀@@MovingToMexiCo
Haha, the beloved MX is getting into 1st world country soon, I was told, then those "things" happened again and again, dam!
The corruption at the border occurs in different ways on both sides of the border.
If there is a God.. pay back will be set upon this demon for taking advantage of you !
I do believe there is a God. Hopefully these people find him.
With all due respect, you gave the dude the 500 pesos freely, and you chose what to pay him so really you were not scammed you were intimidated and paid a fair price to have the guy out of your hair.
What would you call what he was doing?
@@MovingToMexiCoHe was doing what thieves all around the world do, intimidate you into paying him off. Your biggest mistake was allowing a criminal ( ALL Mexican officials are criminals to one extent or another) into your car. You have no idea just how lucky you were, that you arrived alive at the immigration post.
I've been going to Mexico my entire life and you need to be street smart. Mexicans are honest and family people, so YOU need to expect respect and YOU need to kick ass wherever you are. Wake up next time.
🤔
easy to say. so many of these situations get out of hand before you realize what is going on. even restaurants that play around to make your bill higher, it takes you a while to realize whats up.
@@RedroomStudios They have GREAT consumer laws in Mex. so don't allow them to do that for sure. I have a story from having a meal in Mex. prior to returning to the USA and they scammed me by double charging - I paid it, BUT the manager doubled the bill again at the cash register. I showered him with pesos and he turned beat red and called the cops. The cops confiscated all the money - so I was ahead already. They took me to the police station and I refused to pay anything, so they sat me by a steel door with people rustling around on the other side of it - I'm thinking they only ask for $20 and I have hundreds in cash on me, so I paid the $20 waving it in the air. They ran to get the $20 and crashed into each other, but as they reached for the money I pulled the bill back and said "I need a receipt". They said "we don't give receipts". I showed them a business card from my friend in Mexico city who was "Jefe" or chief of an agency and told them I'll get a 100% refund if I have a receipt. The cops would NOT take a dime from me after this and gave me a ride to the border, but I told them "Please take me to my car". Now, they were my friends!!!!!
I like what you said about kicking ass. It's so true. But after living here for almost 50 years, the best policy is to never go alone ANYWHERE. As they say, there's strength in numbers. If I can't find a friend to be with me, I even hire a kid...just in case I need a witness.
@@RishayanPorMexico The culture is your friend, so have faith in people. If you perceive you might be getting scammed, just tell them how wonderful the Mexican People are and how honest they are with excellent family values; then, they too will take the high road. Once a Mexican kid that was almost an adult acted like he was trying to scam me, but wasn't good enough to carry it off, so I perceived he didn't have any money. I gave him 100 pesos and told him what an outstanding person he appeared to be. He reluctantly took the pesos and changed into an excellent partner - I'm sure he was ashamed of his initial hostility. It's always wise to put yourself in their shoes. One lady as an expat told me how difficult it is for young people to earn a few pesos in Mexico. We all have to have a good heart for the young people!!!