Watch those ATM's in Cancun/Rivera Maya

[Phydeaux]

Here's how they're skimming your cc's.

http://krebsonsecurity.com/

Certainly worth your while to read, 3 parts thus far, if you travel to this region.

Tip: Download a Bluetooth signal meter app to your phone, and use it prior to using any ATM. Another tip: don't use any ATM unless it's at a bank

 

[Rehdaun]

Fantastic read. Thanks! The reporter found compromised ATM's all along the Mexican Caribbean Coast from Cancun to Tulum as well as in Cozumel. He even found a couple at the airport.

 

[Tia]

Not such great news for tourism down there once the word gets out

 

[MuranoJo]

This is certainly more sophisticated than the card readers they had installed on an ATM in PV which stole from all 3 couples in our group who used it (about 8 years ago now). At the time, I believe it was an attachment they inserted into the card slot.

 

[Passepartout]

We have advocated using NO ATMs except BANK ATMs (preferably at physical bank locations during business hours) in Mexico for several years.

It seems that timeshare sales weasels aren't the ONLY way to get shafted in Mexico.

Use caution whenever traveling. Watching your money includes keeping virtual money out of reach as well as the folding type. Use online banking to move funds from a savings account into your checking account before making that ATM withdrawal. If there is a limited amount in the account, that's all the thieves with the scanners can get.

Jim

 

[MuranoJo]

Not necessarily.

The ATM hackers ran through my credit union checking, then the credit union allowed them to move onto my small savings, from there they went into my credit line. All in, they got at least $8000.from this particular entity. (Thank goodness I use another online bank for the bulk of my 'cash'.) Who knows how much they got from my friends in this one incident.

But I can tell you it didn't hit until 6 mos. after we got back. What I've heard is they get the info., bundle it up, then sell it as bundle to buyers. The process can take months.

I do agree, only use ATMs at banks--even resort ATMs can be iffy.

 

[blondietink]

We have used the exchange booth at the La Isla mall in Cancun several times Great exchange rate and all they want to see is your passport. I don't even use an ATM in the US unless it is at my local bank

 

[Paumavista]

Traveling in November

I'm pretty sure I can find the La Isla mall (isn't it across from the Lagunamar? - is there a particular ATM there that is suggested?).......we will be staying at the Royal Islander - so am I better off going to the mall ATM for money to use while traveling - or do most people feel the Royal Islander ATM or front desk will be ok? OR where is there a bank near by that won't be a hassle or take a lot of time to get to - we will be using the bus system - visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum. Thank you!

 

[x3 skier]

I only use Bank ATM's but that's not foolproof either since if a tech can be bribed, a bank tech can be bribed as well. I suppose given the limited range of the Bluetooth system, one inside the bank is less vulnerable to downloading the info since the person doing the downloading might be noticed.

I just check my bank accounts daily to detect unauthorized withdrawals or charges. Only have had three minor incidents since my first charge card back in 1966. . All of those were in the past five years.

Cheers

 

[blondietink]

I'm pretty sure I can find the La Isla mall (isn't it across from the Lagunamar? - is there a particular ATM there that is suggested?).......we will be staying at the Royal Islander - so am I better off going to the mall ATM for money to use while traveling - or do most people feel the Royal Islander ATM or front desk will be ok? OR where is there a bank near by that won't be a hassle or take a lot of time to get to - we will be using the bus system - visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum. Thank you!

Yes, the mall is right across from Lagunamar. The bank exchange booth we used is right across from the Senor Frogs store. There is another one in the mall that we passed also. They gave a better exchange rate than at the hotel. In fact everything we bought in stores we asked to be charged to our credit card in pesos as all the stores conversion to dollars was in their favor, not ours. I downloaded an app for my phone to check each conversion to see what would benefit us the most, dollars or pesos. Credit card I used does not charge any foreign exchange fees.