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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.

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.

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.

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. 😉

Thank you for the warning. Your delivery is pitch perfect, as always.

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.

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.

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!

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!!!

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.

"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!

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

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

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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

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 🇲🇽😊🙏🇱🇷

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!!!

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.

Who else enjoys seeing what shirt he will wear??

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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.

The banks should be fined for allowing the customers to be robbed.

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.

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.

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 :)

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 for the info. When we retire in MX I’ll be opening up a MXN bank account!

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

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.

glad ur alright!

I've watched a video where this same thing happened at the currency exchange booth in airports, so be careful.

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!!!

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.

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?

Great information. My dad is retired and lives in Mexico most of the year.

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.

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.

I spent quite a few months in Peru as a foreigner from the UK and having to withdraw cash all the time was a problem, firstly due to the bank transfer/exchange fees and secondly for security reasons. It would be much easier paying by card but there are still the fees to pay and many smaller vendors don't accept cards. I read just recently that Apple Pay has been launched in Peru so hopefully things will start to get easier, the great thing about Apple Pay is that your card details can not be stolen or cloned, and it's easier to keep track of purchases as you receive a notification every time a purchase is made. Having a Peruvian bank account makes things easier but it's difficult for foreigners to have one.

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.

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!

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.

Yayyyy jalisco is where I’m from! I love visiting 🥰🥰

So glad I found your channel. Thanks for all the great information.

Informative, but you're really scaring me about going to Mexico! I have watched other of your videos.

Great Great Safety Tip. Thank you Sir. Knowledge is power

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 .

Yikes! This is good to know. Thanks for the heads up and glad you didn't become a victim yourselves. Take care

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!

Tu video es muy informativo, también para los q vivimos en Mexico City. gracias

Pay with Wise. Pay with cards.

Thank you. I have not heard of this scam. I am filing it for future reference.

Excellent information. Stay safe ! Hasta Luego !

As your speaking right now things are pretty bad in Los Angeles, is so bad that the chief police warns tourist not to come to LA at this time because they can't guarantee their safety. Is all over.

Good to know people are on to them.very good information.make this people famous by posting their picture .

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.

This is why I stick to the U.S. and Canada. Crime exists everywhere but at least you won’t get robbed because of a crooked bank employee. I’ve seen drunk tourist kids get robbed by the police in Mexico.

Thank you, Paul, this happened to my spouse in Guadalajara several years ago.

Thanks for sharing this story

In Costa Rica you are not allowed to use a phone in the bank.

Thanks for all the information you give us.

Oh, freakin' great! Another thing to worry about. Thanks for the tip.

Great tip ! I used to keep my cash in my socks. One day while riding on the Indios Verdes subway line, I actually caught an 8 year old boy crawling on the subway car floor inching his way up to my "sock stash". I wasn't angry, I was just majorly abused. I was nice to the kid, and the other riders just laughed and smiled...politeness and respect may get you what money may not. Be polite. Mexican people as a whole, are way more respectful than the average gringo imo

Great info here Paul. But as a former LEO myself I may have missed exactly how the bad guys identified your car. You obviously parked with the tire ok. You and Linda went into the mall and did not return to the car after visiting the bank. The only person I can tell who actually knew your car, and also knew you had money was Linda! Better keep a close eye on that woman! 🤣😂

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!

The banks in my town (in the Yucatan) do not allow phone usage in their banks!

Paul, here in Guanajuato 2 weeks ago I was at the bank to get cash on a Saturday morning, and banco halcones were scouting. I turned and took photos of them and they were nowhere to be seen in 10 seconds. A man in a vest and dress clothes got money next to me and he was watching my every move at my ATM. He rejoined his group, all dressed up for photos, in wedding type dresses and suits. He was definitely part of their scam against me. They followed me to several places I went afterward, and then they figured out which vehicle I was driving. They ran their car into the back of mine and took photos, then called their corrupt transito and police friends to try to extort me for $4,000, saying I hit their car. I had begun recording the instant the transito officer named Lara told me I was detained and that I was not free to go. I was told I was going to be arrested and my car was going to be towed. But the law in Mexico is, that if one vehicle is towed, the other must be towed as well if you cannot settle it out on the spot. I reminded them of that but they continued their scam. There was never any report made by the corrupt transito or the corrupt police officer. Eventually, after 20 minutes, they let me go, because every time they said "We're impounding your car" I said firmly, "No, you're not." Every time the cop said "I'm placing you under arrest and then impounding your car" I said, "No, you're absolutely not." I did an investigation myself before turning it over to the state investigative police, as to where all cameras in the location were, and asking around who those people were. I posted the video to my other KZfaq channel and made it private, and I sent it to my wife's family members. I asked my wife's next younger brother by WhatsApp after I sent him the link to the video, "Do you know these people?" He said "No." But at the next cookout at my new house last weekend, I'd gone inside and he told my wife and her dad and sister, "Those people who tried to extort money from him are my customers in my factory. They're from a rich family. I went to those people to tell them who they tried to extort. I told them he's pursuing charges against all 6 of them. The guy in the video (the family had all seen the video, I sent it to them all) who was wearing the vest said, 'yeah, I was just with them. It was my wife who was the one who borrowed the car for our photos that day and she tried to extort him and I wasn't part of it. They tried to extort him and I'm so sorry for what they tried to do to him' They could be in big trouble so please don't tell him that I told you." My brother in law said they were very sorry for what they did. But that's not true. They were not sorry, and that guy in the vest actually stalked me and set up the crime. The cop was part of it, too. My contact in the police office shrugged his shoulders when I gave him the cop's name and he told me that Moreno is one of the crookedest cops in the city. My wife told me what her brother said not to tell me, telling me that very night. I said "Thank you." So now I have more to go on as the AIC (Ministerio Publico) investigates and pursues charges against the cop, the transito officer and group of 4 extortionists. My lawyer dropped the case immediately because he is afraid of the police. I'm not. So, I'm spearheading the lawsuits and criminal charges. Why I'm going after the cop so much is because he would not let me get the people's identification at the end after they suddenly said "you can go" after I said, "Do you have an attorney? You're going to need one." The cop just wanted his cut of the $4,000 pesos. And, he said to me at the end as I was getting in my vehicle to leave, "Now don't go and hit any more cars." Which pissed me off but I kept my mouth shut because the new laws are that if you talk back to an officer you can be arrested for that. The extortionist family has money but so do I, and my lawyer said to expect they will keep countersuing to see who runs out of money first. Mexico living is supposed to be so free and easy... Ha.

Scary stuff man. Crime like that is the biggest fear I have of retiring there. Good looking out.

You always provide the most practical information!!! Thanks

Safety in numbers.

Damn! That totally sucks, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us

Great information. We were at xcaret hotel last week. We felt very safe there. However I hear that Playa del Carmen and tulum have lots of crime.

Thanks for the information. This will help me to be aware of my surroundings.

What a great video, Paul! You're a natural.

Thanks, I like your style

For big purchase use PayPal no cash needed and very safe.

Many times the thief's will remove the tire valve cap and put in a BB, replace the cap so a slow leak develops then when you pull over they rob you..

Used to love going to Mexico can’t think of any good reason to go there now to unsafe

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.

Paul once again thank you so much for your videos. I appreciate the way you explain the content of your videos.

Never go to the bank on the 15th or the 30th

I adopted an adopted local family watched out for me. Pesos. Just take it out over a period of days. Debit cards may not work. You need some cash in Mexico.

I never have a problem ( over 30 years ) in Cuba because the law there states …,” it is a crime against the state to commit a crime against a tourist ‼️” And if they do… they disappear ‼️

Thank you. Good to know

Oh yea, you covered the many angles for possibility of a crime. Great tips again.

Do not pay in advance unless for materials on the job. Request a receipt, knowing it could be a fraud. Never loan money, inspect all purchases ever with a sharp eye. Corruption for decades at the top has filtered down to everyday life.

I'm surprised that the bank doesn't keep on eye on who's in the bank.

“Gringo gouging” and crime are the two reasons that Mexico is off of my list of places to live during retirement. Skeptical of others and in fear for my own security is not how I want to live. Too many other inviting options available where you do not have to live with your guard up all day long.

Super informative!

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.

Very common in Colombia. That’s why you’re not allowed to use a phone inside of the bank.