Watch Out for Bank Falcons in Mexico
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- čas přidán 4. 08. 2024
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, real estate professional, immigration specialist, import broker, financial advisor, major league umpire or astronaut. The information provided in my videos is based on my own experiences and/or research and is not intended to serve as professional advice. I make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of said information. In other words, take some responsibility for your own life choices and conduct your own research before making important decisions.
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My mother lives in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. We have developed a two-step system over the years: 1. we withdraw small amounts and just take more trips if needed, 2. we select bank branches next to other establishments (supermarket, post office, coffee shops) and enter them immediately after withdrawing money. If anyone has marked us, they'd have to go to Chedraui and watch us stand in all kinds of lines (the fresh tortilla line, the cheese and ham line, el pan, the register...). We also do this when traveling in Europe. And, of course, if using an ATM, we use those adjacent to banks and only during operating hours.
Halcones translates more to "hawks" than "falcons" But I always take photos of them to watch them scatter before I step into the ATM.
GREAT TIP CHRISTOS, PS..I THOUGHT GAVILAN WAS HAWK ?
@@frogman8591 Nope. Hawk is Halcón, and falcons in Mexico are considered hawks. Gavilan is also another name for hawk or falcon.
@@MissionaryInMexico Gavilan is hawk and falcon is halcon!
@@veejaymexico4840 The name "Halcón" is "Hawk." *And* "Falcon." The name "Gavilan" is "Hawk." *And* sometimes, "Falcon." But Halcón is more widely used for hawk than the word "Gavilan" is. My wife is born and raised in Mexico, I have 32 years in Mexico. Please don't argue dumb points with people who've spent most of all their lives here. It makes you look bad.
Bravo Christo,smart move. Which part of Greece , are you from ?🇬🇷@CristosPalabras
So glad I found your channel. Thanks for all the great information.
Paul once again thank you so much for your videos. I appreciate the way you explain the content of your videos.
You always provide the most practical information!!! Thanks
Just wanted you to know I really love you and the content of your videos!!!... You and your wife have been so helpful to me taking care of the business i
need to take care of b4 the BIG MOVE!
I watch you guys all the time!!!
I thank you for this video. Been here 7 years and yes, many beautiful things about Mexico. But honesty dealing with anything involving money is a notorious challenge.
Thanks for the heads up ! In my many years in Merida, Yucatan I have not heard of this problem. In contrast, years ago my friends in San Jose, Costa Rica insisted it was too risky to carry a large amount of cash out of a bank, as the falcons were so common.
Another very informative video. This type of crime is on the increase in the US as well. As Paul said, always be aware of your surroundings and be on the look out for things that seem out of place. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Stay safe.
Very good and informative video. Always need to be aware of strange people and your surroundings...just like when you were a sheriff in Florida.
Thanks for the in-depth info - we’ve spent some time in various parts of Mexico and plan to start spending a lot more time there in the near future. Being aware of scams like this is so helpful in increasing out safety while there. Glad we found your channel!
Glad it was helpful!
I am a senior who is usually awake by 6a.m. and will be retiring in Mexico this fall. I think the best bet may be to hit the ATM's as early in the morning as possible while the crooks are still resting from all of their illegal activities from the previous day.
Good strategy.
Ok, here we have a man who figured this one out ! I had that same thought. Very smart thinking, power to you and I. TCB.
Unless they realize the early bird gets worm lol
You're going to end up getting kidnapped
@@jamestinyvest6056 I can think of a few people in my life who would be happy to see me kidnapped and never to be seen again. In fact, they would probably pay the kidnappers to never return me. 🙁
Excellent information. Stay safe ! Hasta Luego !
Dang, Paul. What a bummer. Thanks for the information. A little extra paranoia can keep us all safe. This was common in Belize when we lived there, but it was the Gas Stations. If an attendant saw you had a bunch of cash when you paid, he would alert an accomplice who would "stumble" in front of your car and demand cash for nearly killing them. Crazy world!!!
Great Great Safety Tip. Thank you Sir. Knowledge is power
Thank you for the warning. Your delivery is pitch perfect, as always.
Thank you kindly!
@@qroo you have no shame
Your channel presents valuable information for those of us wanting to visit and stay longer term in Mexico -good stuff. On one of your previous videos there were comments indicating not doing your channel anymore. Just posting once in a while, even about things to do in Mexico would still be helpful. Especially keeping in line with your good safety measures.
We plan to keep.posting as time permits. Thanks for following us. Take care.
Thanks for all the information you give us.
You're welcome. Thanks for watching.
Very good advice! Thank you. I'm now a new subscriber.
Lived in Mexico City for 4 years. We moved to an area Los Reyes to save some money...within the first week we noticed markings on the perimeter walls surrounding our home. Markings were unknown to us until a good neighbor befriended us and told us the house was being observed and the markings indicated:
1. How many people lived in the house (adults vs. kids)
2. Times of day we leave the house and when we are home typically
3. How many cars
Turns out it was a parking attendees from an Oxxo (similar to a 7-Eleven) at the end of the street that was casing our house and marking for thief friends. We lasted 12 months and moved back to a better part of town.
Boobie trap your house. Mine has steel doors , 7/8" bars , deadbolts, gated community. Im buying bear spray and a crossbow for travelling.
Thanks for sharing. That is critically important information. You are helping a lot of people.
glad ur alright!
Thanks for sharing this story
Thank you, its such a good reminder to be careful. I was followed once and just went into a store and looked at the guy from the window, he finally walked away knowing I spotted him. I was lucky.
not luck,.. that was smart.
Love your videos, you are good explaining the different situations of the daily life in Mexico, I'm Mexican living in Houston for 20 years, I visit México every month and your videos are really good. Saludos!
Thank you. Saludos. :)
It happened to me yesterday morning in a South Austin Walmart. I withdrew a handful of cash after self-checking my groceries, and noticed that a very tall black guy was watching me. He turned away when I looked at him. He and his (much shorter) compadre slowly followed me out to my car - but stopped when I didn't open the trunk, abandoned my grocery basket, and walked to the front of the car to watch them - and kept the car in between us. I also reached into my shirt behind my back as if I were fluffing it out to pull out a gun. They immediately got into a car and sat there after that display. I got into my car, locked the doors, and while I was starting the engine, I took stock of whomever was sitting around in other cars or walking around me while I had my thumb on the horn button - ready to push it. The guys did not get out of their car, and let me pass without further incident. This is commonly called " jugging" here in Texas. It happens at banks, too.
I don't profile black folks unless they're paying close attention to me and acting suspicious. They were not carrying any grocery bags on their way out of the store, either. They were totally focused on me and what I was going to do. Had I been distracted with my cell phone, I would probably be missing my Mercedes and some cash tonight. Stay aware of who's around you. 😉
Calling it "jugging" is minimizing it. It's robbery, pure and simple.
@@Austin8thGenTexan you should be profiling them
@@damonmelendez856 "Them ?"
@@Austin8thGenTexan the criminals. Check the FBI’s annual crime reports and you’ll know where to target law enforcement.
@@Austin8thGenTexan the ‘criminals’ of course, we all know who they are.
Such great content. Thank you.
Execellent video! I made a very good living for over 20 years consulting to major companies on risk prevention -- that included giving talks to their employees on their personal security. You nailed it.
Thanks!
Always great info!
Tu video es muy informativo, también para los q vivimos en Mexico City. gracias
"Sweet mystery of life I think I found you!" You guys are putting out the best. I have now been over, under, and in-between everything you are putting out. My. My. My. I have lived in three countries and functioned in three languages. Mexico and Spanish looks like the next challenge for this white-bearded old man. You are a total resource!
Very entertaining comment. It made me smile. Good luck on your next challenge. Take care.
I was in Playa del Carmen in 2005 and there was not much there. Took a dirt road off the highway which opened up to a beautiful beach.
Te felicito, también si cambias un cheque o cobras gran cantidad, si la persona se para o alza la mano está avisando al que te intentará robar . Felicidades por tu información 🇲🇽😊🙏🇱🇷
Informative, but you're really scaring me about going to Mexico! I have watched other of your videos.
Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the information. This will help me to be aware of my surroundings.
Glad it was helpful!
Hey man I am in tuxpan Veracruz right now and I go to the bank a Lot. I have been doing it for about 12 years. I just came back over here two weeks ago. There has been a lots of price gouging. And the gas prices are killing me. We are doing it for Jesus Christ we are missionaries the whole family. You know sometimes you get complacent down here in Mexico you just walk around and you live life go on. I told my wife about the Falcons and she knew exactly what you were talking about. Wow I didn't know that I mean I did but I didn't thanks brother Paul. Always keep me informed.
I have often wondered about this sort of thing, but I have never experienced it. I probably don't take enough out when I use the exchange machines and I'm careful not to take money out when anyone's watching. I have had the tourist police assist me and they will help if you are being conned - they'll talk to the merchant and often the merchant will refund any money you've been scammed (by one of their workers) and, apparently, they'll go after the worker. Once I recovered $200 in that fashion. By and large, most Mexicans are very honest and dependable people, so be certain you work with honest businesses and stay away from anything that looks like a scam.
Good info, Thanks!
Great information. My dad is retired and lives in Mexico most of the year.
Sounds like your dad has it all figured out. :)
Good info to know! Thx!!!!!
Oh, freakin' great! Another thing to worry about. Thanks for the tip.
I'm in Mexico City! I think made a mistake let them make the conversion. My 1st atm withdraw......I'm in hospital compound. Staying at a holiday inn. I had my knee replaced. Interesting place. Thanks for sharing Paul!
Thank you, Paul, this happened to my spouse in Guadalajara several years ago.
Sorry to hear that, Eric.
Damn! That totally sucks, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us
Thank you for the pointer on the risks of banking in Mexico. Unfortunately, this mode of criminal activity takes place throughout the world, specially when the potential victim is "foreign" looking, or, behaving like a "tourist". Easy targets!
From experience, do not trust anyone in a bank, inside or outside. Never withdraw large amounts of cash, do not flaunt an image of being wealthy or rich, or, worse, arrogant. Never go to the same ATM periodically, and never, ever, when the surroundings are isolated or at night.
When traveling, we prefer to use ATM dispensers in hotels, whenever possible, even if not guests. Never in banks, gas stations, malls, or other places where many people gather.
So helpful thank you.
Thank you. Good to know
What a great video, Paul! You're a natural.
Thank you so much. :)
Good information!
Thank you for the info. and reminder of this fact.
Glad it was helpful!
My wife's cousin was a general contractor in Mexico City. All the workers were paid in cash, so he would take out large amounts. He was robbed twice by "halcones". The second time it was by the police. Thanks for the good strategies to avoid this. I'm not sure if they still pay the "albaniles" in cash.
Great and useful Intel as usual guvna.
Thanks for the advise.
Happy to help. :)
The banks should be fined for allowing the customers to be robbed.
One thing you will learn in MX is that Mexicans NEVER admit to guilt. A mistake, etc
It's always someone else's fault..
Super informative!
I'm glad you liked it, Micheal. :)
I’ll make this quick. At mid day holy Thursday 2021, went to Scotiabank ATM machine at La Comer, Bucerias, Nayarit, Flamingos Plaza. The ATM machine is not in a good location as it has access from different directions. In my peripheral vision, I could see a man, dressed like a Mexican tourist (shorts etc.). Most noticeable was the cell phone in his hand. When my transaction was complete, with his cell phone, he changed the ‘screen’ on the Scotiabank machine. That’s what Conned me. He only got away with my card and my pin. My daughter cancelled my card immediately. Scotiabank and Intercam didn’t care. They could have caught him - on camera, exact times, and cell phone records. The robbers can now change the screen on the bank machines. There were about four security guards around, who appeared to not be paying attention.
Thanks for the info. When we retire in MX I’ll be opening up a MXN bank account!
Excellent Content!
Thanks!
I've never heard of this but when we were in Cabo 2019 we went to a bank and there were some people waiting around. I dismissed as maybe waiting to get a ride or bus. We used the ATM and someone else's card was in the machine. So strange. We noticed that the woman who was at that machine prior to us was just standing around by the wall. We gave her the card. The end. Now we will be so much more careful. Thank you for the information!!!
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Yikes! This is good to know. Thanks for the heads up and glad you didn't become a victim yourselves. Take care
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Yayyyy jalisco is where I’m from! I love visiting 🥰🥰
Thank you. I have not heard of this scam. I am filing it for future reference.
Hey Paul, thank you for this information. We mostly visit Puerto Vallarta, but I always always keep an eye out for anyone around when I take out money, and never take out an obscene amount from an ATM. I keep reminding my friends when they travel to please don't take out more than you need, and always use debit/credit cards when all possible. I keep watching your help with (when we move to Mexico) living in Mexico. Thank you!
Happy to help. Stay safe.
This reminds me of when I tried to game the black market in Argentina. I tried to change USD$8000 in one cash transaction. My (now) wife and I were ushered into a vault-like counting room with private shotgun guards, and the cell door clanked shut. Our money was counted in a bank counting machine (because everyone has one of those). Then the dude bagged it up, and left the room, leaving us with armed mercs. Wifey's eyes got super big, she whispered "They took our money!" It was like Pulp Fiction: "Stay cool, honeybunny. We're cool." We did not get robbed or shot. But we calmly got to my motorcycle and bit by bit I wicked up the escape velocity and doubled back, a lot. Betting two gringos could be disposed of for less than $8K US, down there.
@@BOULDERGEEK ???? I don't understand
@@BOULDERGEEK, so did you get your Argentinian money or not?
Good to know people are on to them.very good information.make this people famous by posting their picture .
Paul don't have doubts go with your instinct. Don't trust no one, choose your friends there(Mexico) very carefully. God bless you both
Even here in the USA you need to be careful. I only use drive-thru ATM's and don't go after the bank closes.
Thanks, I like your style
Wow! Thanks
I think it depends where in Mexico. Here in Cdmx chances are quite minimum. There is a lot of security. Maybe in the early mornings.
Great video
Thanks!
It happens all the time in Vallarta. Again today, a couple of extranjeros withdrew cash at Plaza Marina and were approached by armed robbers arriving at Costco parking, few kms away. Certainly they were followed. It's a regular thing if you withdraw a bigger amount. I never withdraw more then 5000-7000 pesos max
Why live somewhere where you have to worry about getting robbed....
No matter what the weather is..
@@donthecon4516 the Canadian Govt are the biggest robbers in our land…
@@donthecon4516 you can be robbed anywhere in the world
@@donthecon4516 It will become much more common in the US. as the crime in general increases, and poverty increases
@@donthecon4516 you could live on the moon I suppose.
Excellent Advice ‼️
Muchas Gracias.
I have lived in Mexico 41 years...my advice to you is be careful to what you say and do and super careful to who your friends are... I have found many 🏧 machines are now in local stores which is much safer than going to the bank, also avoiding big city's and crowds is very helpful, stay as low key, and dress like those around you, if you must go to a bank get a taxi driver you have known to take you there and back home...God bless and protect ...
Best expat content out there!
Thanks, Danny!
Great informative video Paul. Thanks and looking forward to upcoming ones.
Thanks a lot Paul. In Gallipoli, Italy and San Jose, Costa Rica we laughed about the security in the banks we visited that only allowed us in through a locked outside glass door and then into a locked glass lobby and then into a locked office with the teller. I guess the banks could use this in Mexico.
My Family warned me about this... So I noticed people hanging around like : sitting on the steps" Playing with their phones.... even in busy areas... So If I notice anything at all strange after my withdrawal I Step into the coffee shop next door and plan on hanging out there a bit :) So yeah it's good to always have a strategy
It's good to be observant.
This is also a very common occurrence at "Casas de cambio" locations where you exchange your dollars for pesos. The very person that services you at the window will make a call and notify that someone has just walked away from their window with a large amount of cash.
Thanks for sharing that. I can how that would be a popular location for this sort of destination.
You also have to keep a grip on your cash until it's exchanged (in the smaller kiosks). Years ago the girl took 2 twenties and dropped one on the floor out of sight. Then told me I had only given her one.
Who else enjoys seeing what shirt he will wear??
Hahaha
When I first moved, I used to withdraw 3000 every day, felt nervous the first time but then i never even thought twice, but now with your video, I feel a chill thinking that could've been me.
Just stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Sadly this isn't just a trend this is hard fact that this is on the increase! The more desperate the people the more likely this kind of set up will happen. Just started to watch your pieces and was rather excited about particularly Zona Romantico as I prefer older architecture cost and beach access. However with seemingly EVERYWHERE decent people are just targets. Plus the language barrier. You are lucky of course that is Not one of your issues.
Many Mexicans think every gringo is a millionaire, can easily replace any money that is stolen. And there's a game aspect of it, to see if the thief can outwit the gringo. It's a strange thing...
There's also the assumption that if a Mexican is poor. And if you have more than him, that he's entitled to steal from you. NO remorse at all.
Gracias Senor. I visit Mexico at least once a Year and no one ever told me about alcones till 2 tears ago I used to carry $2,000 Dollars at least now I carry $2.000 pesos .
If you carry U$2,000 in the states, won't the cops confiscate it because it could be used to commit a crime or some other such excuse?
Oh yea, you covered the many angles for possibility of a crime. Great tips again.
I've watched a video where this same thing happened at the currency exchange booth in airports, so be careful.
At the casas de cambio when I exchange dllrs to pesos in the pink zone in Mexico City I take $200.00 no more than that once I took $300.0 dllrs there is a lot of police by the HSBC bank safer. Close to the subway metro.
Safety in numbers.
Is this mostly in tourist towns, or all over? (We're thinking of visiting Queretaro later this year). By the way, we're loving your videos! Short enough to be easily watchable and long enough to give useful, information in an easy-to-understand manner but with practical details! Good job, and THANK YOU!
This is all over Mexico and the majority of the people targeted are Mexican nationals.
@@qroo Thank you
THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO A FRIEND IN MANHATTAN IN 1964...HE HAD $75 SENT TO HIM BY WESTERN UNION. HE PICKED IT UP AND WALKED OUT AND WAS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. IN 1960, A MAN IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WAS CAUGHT DOING ARMED ROBBERIES AFTER BEING TIPPED OFF BY THE BANK TELLER...HIS GIRLFRIEND. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN AROUND AWHILE.
Ha, I think I know the shopping center you were at. We were approached there a couple of times with a similar incident last year.
They run a few scams out of that pne. One of our neighbors had ketchup or some sauce thrown on her there last week in an attempt to steal her purse.
Great advice. I guess we've been lucky living here in Isla Mujeres for 4 years I've never heard of this before! When we first moved I could use CIBanco app but then they updated it and now it requires a MX phone number which we don't have :-(
BBVA is like that too. They require a Mexican number to do any online banking.
We have a tendency to think of these things as unique to Mexico or LATAM. They do seem to be more blatant.
In the US I have seen similar setups at ATM's and banks. It's worse in tourist cities like Orlando and Las Vegas, but it happens everywhere.
Stay safe, friends!
This is often a problem, even in the States with transactions like Craigslist or classified ads...especially for large amounts like lets say a car or RV...Meet them at your bank and do the deal there...or next best at a Post Office...or even at a Police Station...
But you own bank is the best...often they will give you a room to work in private...and you never even need to handle the money ...the BANK puts the cash in the buyer's hand ....and when I bought an RV off of the street..the seller decided that he actually wanted his money in the from of a check and not cash after all...as long as that check came directly from the Bank into his own hand!
Happened to me in NY some years ago. I was withdrawing $5000 cash to purchase a car. After withdrawing the cash I drove out of the bank parking lot to find I had a flat tire on the driver side. I pulled over and got out to look at the tire and a stranger approached me and pointed in the opposite direction of the car saying there was a tire shop "that way". Meanwhile someone must have creeped in the passenger side and stole my purse. It was awful and unsettling but luckily I had put the cash in my pocket so they got my wallet but only like $20 (and my credit cards, etc). Can happen anywhere! Thanks for the great video :)
Sorry to hear that, Heather. I'm happy to hear that you weren't injured.
Where there are lots of vehicles for sale, there you will find criminals hoping you have cash on you.
Hi Paul, yup, back in 1988, this happened to my fiancée at the time and her mom in Guadalajara. I had wired her $600 from the US to be used for our wedding down there. They went to the bank to get the money and was robbed shortly after leaving the bank.
That's terrible. I hope she wasn't hurt. That's the most important thing.
Okay, now I'm really paranoid. Thank you for the info, though. I don't drive, but I'll be on the lookout at the ATMS.
thanks dude .. 23 yrs of living in Mazatlán PDC PV and i just got robbed last yr. Dumb , wearing a black t-shirt with a fat gold chain shining like neon. I sat in a vulnerable place , got robbed my two punks on a bike wielding a pistol . Happened in broad daylight 40 witnesses
took less than 30 seconds. Had I sat in a more secure spot , put my chain inside my T , kept my phone in my pocket , it wouldn't have happened. Frikkin nice chain and iPhone gone
Aye Dude...I bet you're Caucasian, right?...It's not the suburbs.....
Just like walking in a bad part of town,,,,
BOTH eyes on your surroundings, and NOT to stick out.
Let’s not forget that rather than withdrawals in large amounts. Ask for a Cashiers Cheque or Cheque de Gerencia!
Also, electronic payments should be used at all times. Why use cash?
Very nice of the robbers not to puncture your tire, just let the air out. It also takes a long time, I'm guessing they did it before they even knew how much you were taking out of the bank.