I am getting harassed on the streets

[sassytheatrefriend]

I've never had any issues using my debit card at atm machines in tj. Obviously you don't need to withdraw large amounts of money or anyone's help.

 

[Natbfunky]

There are guys that work with the police. Around the ATM's the most common scam runs like this:

First the helper has a ton of cards representing all the major CA banks. He sees which card you are using and then pulls out a card discreetly that is from the same bank.

Now he offers to help you. He asks if you want dollars...generally the American says yes....he tells the client that to get dollars you must first put in your pin, and then put it in a second time....when the american puts the pin in the second time it shows up on the screen....now the "helper" hits cancel and reaches down and grabs your car...switches it and tells you the machine is out of order....you do not realize that he has your card. He now knows your Pin # and gets busy using it.

Most of the sweetheart deals with the police work like this. A guy who speaks English will start walking with you and talking.....you may be a nice guy and start talking as you continue on your way....then you get rushed by the police who put you both against the wall....a conversation ensues as they find a small quantity of drugs on the English speaking guy....now they tell you that they know he was selling to you and you are in big trouble.....from there whatever the police get they split with the English speaking guy.

Now in case number one: just don't let anyone help you.

In case number two, just insist on going to the judge....this was tried on me some 10 years ago and as soon as I told the police I wanted to see a judge they dropped the issue like a puta who realizes you have no money...it is not worth their time to pursue something that will not bear fruit.

 

[MummyToBe-5th.April.2010]

Dude, the fact that you've never seen it doesn't mean much. Shit is always happening everywhere, and alot of shit happens in Mexico border towns, just like parts of LA or Detroit.

 

[kaiy2k]

Back to the problem of "moochers:" Just say no--firmly--and keep on walking.

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Another solution is to say someplace nice, like the Ticuan, and do escorts. Better sessions with fewer headaches.

 

[Jayne]

If they see a Gringo alone at the ATM , and they see you later in the Zona , they will shake you down. Some Taxis are snitches and will narc you off to the Cops at the Border when they drop you off...

 

[Graci]

dude, wake up, i've never seen this happen during day light hours. You really believe this happens?? if it did, you would see NO non sex tourists going to TJ.

btw, if it bothers you that much, then cross the border and hit the atm near McDonalds on the USA side or keep money in your sock.

 

[Kat...tis I look closer]

No Fucking way. That's like the animals going to the watering hole in Africa. They know the lions are waiting for them there, but they need to drink the water.

Better off taking the wad of cash you expect to spend (or lose) and leave the ATM card on the US side. Maybe this is only urban legend, but I've heard stories of people being grabbed at the ATM, and they are held for 2-3 days to make ATM withdrawls (max mithdrawls daily) until the card is shut off by the bank.

 

[ithb]

never wear expensive jewelry and carry very little money. Plenty of atms in the area if you need more cash.

 

[Jesse T]

Sorry to hear that. I hope now you know not to let them touch your money.

 

[rach rach]

The only time I was "Choked Out" it was by the Tijuana Police at the Border. So its not an "if" to me, they did provide a service of vacuming my wallet and stealing my watch! Every TJ Cop in not bad news -just most of them. For 99.9 of gringo tourist they are more a source of danger or rip off. Its pretty much local wisdom for gringos from TJ to Laredo Boystown- "Never approch a Cop" to ask a question - or anything !
Your "spin" of the Tijuana Police as something like Tourist advisors is a misrepresentation.

 

[ARBOB]

It is that type of misinformation that scares tourists. Get in a choke hold and you will be looking for the police. As an internet savvy monger and someone that visits Tijuana you could not possibly let them handle your money, right?

 

[princess]

[QUOTE=sampsonrico;763976]I often talk to the police. They are people. Since they have been back on patrol in Zona Norte it has been a lot safer.[/QUOTE]

Thats good for you, for tourist- nothing good will come from speaking to the police in TJ and i stll think most are rip-off A.H.s and that has not changed.

 

[fixed wheel yellowbelly]

I often talk to the police. They are people. Since they have been back on patrol in Zona Norte it has been a lot safer.

 

[Rush is Right]

Who cares! I always get harrassed, it is part of the game. In fact, when I am down there, I always give the poor old ladies money. If someone tries to harrass you, just don't listen and keep walking. Still, you cant beat cheap TJ sex and the beautiful women.

 

[randyken]

giving $$$ to people on the street, it is probable cause to shake you down! Not worth "practicing Spanish" maybe you will do that with the Police ! Since you are so unlucky let me give you a basic tip; In Mexico; Never under any circumstace approch a Mexican cop, ask qustion or even make Eye contact !

 

[the man]

Agreed. I behave more along the lines of Divest -- usually, "No gracias," or "Lo siento," does the trick. Sometimes I will engage them in conversation just to practice my Spanish. Gotta' check out the vibe. If it appears to be someone harmlessly trying to pry a buck of you, I like to try to get them laughing with a joke in Spanish. If the person is particularly aggressive, then give 'em the OCHobby stare.

 

[Hannah G]

Friendly face, making eye contact, encourages people to approach you. Give them a frown, a "don't even fucking think about it asswipe" look and they will pass you by. It's kind of like bums on the streets of SoCal, they just need a source to buy some ripple.

 

[mandytandy]

I've never been harassed like this, mostly because I don't flash my money around. Maybe things have changed since I've last been there (about 6 years ago), but I would imagine the same principles still apply.

Don't flash your money around, don't give in to anyone, and stay in well-crowded places. I usually just firmly say "no, gracias" and keep on walking. I have never been actively pursued by anyone, thankfully.

P.S. Take my advice with a grain of salt. The last time I was in TJ was about 6 years ago and I was only there for a couple of hours, not even overnight.

 

[binababie]

It seems like I wore out my welcome in the TJ streets, as now someone down there recognizes me, and suddenly I owe him money. I think he saw me once giving some money to a friend, and when he saw me flashing a bit of money, he came up to me and now says "Your friend owes me money, but you got to pay it off for him"

The streets are VERY shady, people come up to you and pressure you a lot to give them money. They'll offer you a shoe shine, they will sing in your face, and they will even harass you, saying "Yo! Where is my money!?"

So, how do you guys deal with TJ?

Do you just not wander the streets at all? Only stay in Atalita or Hong Kong and keep a low profile?

How do you resolve these issues on the street? Or, is there no way to resolve it once you are on someone's radar? They will keep harassing you for money every time, once they know your tipping point?

Thanks...