BajaNomad

CAVEAT - ATM/DEBIT CARDS IN BAJA SUR

rob - 12-5-2007 at 10:12 AM

Here's a heads up on a current problem with my Bancomer debit card.

Routinely use card for cash withdrawals only at two places (both are La Paz Bancomer ATM locations). Have used it at only four other places - Day's Inn in Chula Vista, COSTCO (Cabo), Office Max (La Paz) and Eurpea (Cabo).

Yet somebody cloned the card and has withdrawn over $50,000MN in Oct/Nov!

The withdrawals were all late at night or early morning - I live on a distant ranch, so was definitely not in town. The cash withdrawals (most of them) WERE photographed, so presumably the powers that be have an idea of the perps.

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU USE YOUR CARDS! It is laughably easy to clone and use a debit card, it doesn't even have to leave your hand (which it shouldn't anyway).

re PIN NUMBER

rob - 12-5-2007 at 03:03 PM

It's a mystery. Two possibilites:

- someone looked over my shoulder as I entered the PIN, AND then cloned the card on a private reader while in one of the four establishments mentioned (thus - NEVER surrender the card) or

- I trustingly swiped my card and entered PIN on a "private" reader handed to me from beneath the counter (I suspect this to be the case).

Al G - 12-5-2007 at 03:43 PM

This possibility can happen anywhere...there is a work around.
Open two accounts, one to transfer from by computer and one to transfer to that cannot be used to transfer from the main account. Never put more in account #2 then you are going to withdraw at one time.
The reason I did this is because the guy in front of me at the ATM, left his receipt that showed $250,000 US in his account...I believe this is how they pick which account to scam. He had it and wanted to brag...I guess.

rob - 12-6-2007 at 09:26 AM

Thanks Al ..

Al G - 12-6-2007 at 10:28 AM

Most banks have a second account for free...it is major protection for them, since they must replace the money...I think.

Bajajack - 12-6-2007 at 11:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rob
It's a mystery. Two possibilites:

- someone looked over my shoulder as I entered the PIN, AND then cloned the card on a private reader while in one of the four establishments mentioned (thus - NEVER surrender the card) or

- I trustingly swiped my card and entered PIN on a "private" reader handed to me from beneath the counter (I suspect this to be the case).
Start watching for the cameras above and behind you when you go to the counter. You would be surprised how many hidden cameras there are in mex stores, even dumps where you would'nt expect it. This has happened in some convenience stores in Phoenix. Almost all employees have access to the monitors in the office.

I always cover the Keypad with my other hand when entering.