Expat Community > Ecuador

crowdpub
Joined 2010
Posts: 726

Safety Warning regarding banks

12 years ago

I am sure I will get some heat over this post, nevertheless it is worthwhile mentioning.

Scenario:
You go into the bank and make a withdrawal - let's say $1000.00. After leaving the bank you head home and as you arrive at your premises, two men show up out of nowhere and yell "hands up and underwear down" (in Spanish). You hand over your money, billfold, oh and don't forget your cellphone.

You start thinking how the heck did that happen, how did they pick me out?

Well there is a pretty good chance that the pretty bank teller that flirted with you at the bank despite you being overweight and bald had accomplices.

Just after you leave she excuses herself to the restroom and phones her thug friends who are waiting outside the bank. She describes you as a white chubby bald gringo wearing cargo pants, Hawaiian shirt, sneakers, and of course a fanny pack. You were just marked. They follow you to your destination and commit a robbery on you.

Think it cannot happen - it may have happened last Friday - not to an expat but to an Ecuadorian. There is no indication in the article that this is what happened but it is highly suspect. And, it has happened in the past.

http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/guayaquil-ecuador-victim-robbed-in-elevator-after-making-withdrawal-at-bank/15548/

One other banking threat to be aware of. First I have not seen any proof of this in Ecuador but it has been quite common in the past in Colombia and there is no reason it would not occur in Ecuador. In my opinion if tellers or bank employees are willing to sell you out and participate in the robbery of clients it is also possible that kidnappers and extortionists have inside contacts in banks that will use the contacts to get information on your assets and other personal information.

This story is not to make you neurotic but to remind you to be aware - SEE what is going on around you, don't just look. There is a lot going on around you in Ecuador under the surface.

If this type of offense has not happened to an expatriate, it will. Just by the sheer numbers of foreigners moving to Ecuador who are perceived as wealthy will present opportunities for criminals. Criminals in Ecuador are like criminals in many parts of the world. They change, they adapt, they steal.

Be aware.
http://www.latinamericacurrentevents.com

William Russell

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Safety Warning regarding banks

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