Here, as promised in my prior posting, are some very useful tips for people traveling to EC, taken from the link Carol posted on this forum in relation to the US citizens killed in EC.
October 12, 2009
VICTIMS OF SEQUESTRO EXPRESS ALSO REPORT SEXUAL ABUSE
A number of victims of kidnappings in vehicles including pirate and yellow taxis have reported being victims of sexual assault in addition to money and other personal belongings. It is recommended that you call a reputable taxi company whenever you need a taxi. The sexual predators have normally struck on the weekends and between the hours of 22:00 hours and 03:00 hours. Victims are sometimes taken to motels. Motels should not be confused with hotels in Ecuador. Motels are usually rented by the hour or for short periods of times for sexual liaisons. It is also reported that accomplices will often be hiding in the trunk of the vehicle.
In August of 2009 there were a reported 28 kidnappings per ESPOL. in Guayaquil. Remember that not all crimes are reported where victims are ashamed or fear reprisal by the assailant.
The Vice Consul of the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil was a recent victim of a kidnapping where he was required to provide the assailants from his banking account, funds from an ATM.
Cuenca and Loja have recently been named in a government report as being among the safety cities in Ecuador. Guayaquil, Quito, Manta, Esmeraldas and Ibarra have the highest rate of crime in Ecuador.
(ECUADORRAVELADVISORY.COM)
Travel Safety Ecuador
Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette
October 12, 2009
COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY NOTES CONTINUE TO CIRCULATE IN CUENCA
If you live in or are visiting Cuenca be on alert that large amounts of counterfeit currency is still circulating per El Tiempo. Previous reports reveal that Peru is a major manufacturer of counterfeit bills. However, many criminals have become very skilled at altering certain denominations to appear to be a larger amount. Here is a quick primer to try to avoid this scam.
• Many of the counterfeit bills are in one, two, and five dollar denominations.
• The two dollar bill in the United States is very rare and is about one percent of the bills in circulation.
• Skilled counterfeiters can alter a bill to look like a 1=10, 2= 20, 5=50, 10=100.
• Many counterfeit bills are so well done by sophisticated equipment that markers and electronic systems designed to detect them are not affective.
• Paper currency is composed of 25% linen and 75% cotton which makes it resistant to folds and creases as compared to the false item.
• A true bill will be able to be folded about 4,000 times before it breaks. Fakes don't fold as well.
• A true bill has clear lines and high relief. False bills will have a topography that is rough in irregular.
• Except for $1 and $2 dollar denominations there is a security thread which you can see if you hold it to the light.
• The watermark image has an identical portrait that is on the bill and can be seen on both sides of the bill when held against the light.
• Make sure that the number on the bill matches the written description of the denomination. For example - a bill that is a $50 note will also state in writing fifty dollars
• Portraits on bills are as follows: $1 = George Washington, $2 = Thomas Jefferson, $5 = Abraham Lincoln, $10 = Alexander Hamilton, $20 = Andrew Jackson, $50 = Ulysses Grant, and $100 = Benjamin Franklin
• Bills have separate serial numbers. Identical serial numbers are an indication the bills are counterfeit.
• Make sure you don't accept money which has been altered by writing in any form on the bill, torn, or damaged. Once you have done so you will have great difficulty finding any merchant that would accept them.
• Don't let any merchant or hotel give you $50 or $100 notes as again you will have difficulty finding anyone that will accept them. There is a saying in Ecuador "that a man in Ecuador with a $100 bill, is a man with no money. There are even instances when banks will not accept them. They usually can be received by the Central Bank of Ecuador.
• It has been reported that some ATM's have dispensed counterfeit bills.
• Always try to request change in the smallest denominations as possible.
• Don't be offended by merchants that inspect the money you have paid for your items or services with. This is a very serious problem.
• When going to Ecuador make sure not to take $50 or $100 denominations.
• Make sure any money you take with you is clean and not torn. It is wise before you go on your trip to visit your bank and request new or at least clean bills. Explain you are going to Ecuador and that counterfeiting is a real problem and that vendors are very particular about what bills they will accept.
• Remember no one in Ecuador ever has enough change.
• Recommend not to accept any two dollar bills. Since they are so rare there may be a high probability they are counterfeit.
• Be alert, be astute, don't be taken.
(ECUADORRAVELADVISORY.COM)
Travel Safety Ecuador
Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette
September 28, 2009
BEWARE OF KIDNAP EXPRESS IN ECUADOR
EXPRESS KIDNAPPING - SECUESTRO EXPRESS PLAUGES ECUADOR
Criminals continue to develop new ways in which to kidnap their victims. The kidnap express (secuestro express) continues as a substantial threat to the community's safety in Ecuador. All levels of society seem to be at risk including foreigners. Here are five methods currently conducted by the criminal element in carrying out the express kidnapping as well as some things you can do to try to avoid being a victim. Authorities report that this type of crime is on the increase. However, the numbers are probably much higher then what is reported. Numerous victims decide not to report the crime out of embarrassment, feeling that justice will not be served, or in fear of retaliation from the perpetrator's).
FIVE APPROACHES TO TO THE EXPRESS KIDNAPPING
1. One of the most common forms of express kidnapping is intercepting a private vehicle or taxi. There may be one or two vehicles used in conducting the kidnap. Stoplights are probably one of the most vulnerable areas to be kidnapped at. The assailants may use one or two vehicles to conduct the block of the victim's vehicle at which time one or two assailants may exit their vehicles with weapons and take command of the vehicle. They will usually place a passenger in the front seat in the rear seat. Other high rates of incidents while in a vehicle includes during the exit of the vehicle while in a taxi or after parking on the street.
2. In Guayaquil a number of kidnappings have involved the victim being taken to suburb areas to a house. They are often bound and blindfolded. The kidnappers will take the victim's credit cards. A courier then takes the cards to a bank ATM and starts to empty the account. He keeps in contact with the coconspirator via cell phone.
3. Other kidnappers are taking the victims to their home and then empty the house of valuables.
4. Taxi drivers are at increased risk of being kidnapped and robbed. One method used by assailants is leaving a mall with what appears to be bags full of merchandise. However, this is just a ruse to get the driver to feel comfortable about taking the fare and not suspect he is going to be attacked or robbed. The thieves in actuality have nothing in their shopping bags and commit their robbery once inside the vehicle.
5. Drivers of taxis who are assailants themselves have robbed clients with the following method. They will place paper money on the backseat. They have laced the bill with chemicals to disorient the passenger once they have touched the bill. Then will commit the kidnap and robbery.
Currently the most at risk areas in Guayaquil for kidnapping express are: La Atarazana, Kennedy, Alborada, Malecón Simón Bolívar, Urdesa, and San Marino. Don't fall into a false sense of security while at a mall.
TIPS ON AVOIDING A KIDNAPPING
1. Pay attention to the driver and any changes in route that are out of the ordinary. If this happens then tell the driver you want to get out, pay the fare, and change taxis.
2. Be on alert while at stoplights for other vehicles that may have been following you.
3. Better to call for a taxi and not take one off the street. Another method is to get to walk to a hotel or well known restaurant use one of their regular taxis.
4. Keep your windows up and make sure you are not being followed. Be sure to use the side mirrors.
5. Don't make small talk with the taxi driver or provide any personal information.
6. If a taxi driver demands taking a certain route, don't go.
7. Write down the plate number and provide it to a friend or family member. One method is when you are in the vehicle use your cell phone and call someone and provide them the plate number. Even faking this call may deter the driver from trying to kidnap or rob you.
8. Always let someone know where you are going.
9. Don't accept candy or any paper item from a taxi driver (May be laced with a drug). Also, try to have the exact change for your fare so you don't have to get any paper money as change.
10. If you get in a taxi, reopen the door to make sure the child lock has not been put in place.
11. Try to avoid on the street parking. If you do park this way make sure you are looking behind for assailants. Get out of the car immediately and get moving to your destination. Don't give them time to walk up to your vehicle.
Travel Safety Ecuador
Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette
September 23, 2009
BEWARE OF BANK CARD CLONING EQUIPMENT AT ATM MACHINES
There have been no recent reports of cloning of bank cards at ATM machines in Ecuador. However, you need to be alert in Ecuador as it has been reported previously. Earlier this week, two Colombians were arrested in Chile for placing a cloning device at ATMS in Santiago, Chile. The criminals install a device on the ATM and makes it difficult to notice any difference in the real machine. While making your transaction the covert machine makes a copy of the information and a micro camera records your pin number. They retrieve the equipment and then with the information, clone a card and then start withdrawing cash. The two Colombians are in Chile illegally and affected hundreds of cards.
• If anything about the machine looks unusual or modified- don't use it - check to see if the light is flashing where you insert your card.
• If you see a hole puncture on the top right or left corner of the ATM, it may be a camera to detect your pin number.
• Always shield your pin when you enter it on the keypad. This will make it impossible for the crooks to use your card for obtaining cash without the pin number.
• Make a regular check of your account online to confirm all transactions - always keep your receipts.
September 02, 2009
GUAYAQUIL RESIDENTS UNDER EXTREME STRESS DUE TO CRIME
El Universo reported recently that the residents of Guayaquil do not live a day without thinking about crime and the possibility of being a victim. I have spent thirty years visiting Guayaquil and have never seen a situation which seemed as dangerous as it does now. Crime has permeated all levels of society and violence is on the rise. In other analysis, I have suggested that part of the increase in crime may be due to the return of many Ecuadorians from abroad since the beginning of the world financial crisis. Employment is so difficult to obtain that the thousands who have returned place additional pressure on the job market. Newspaper reports earlier this year indicated that many of the university graduates in Ecuador are having a very difficult time finding employment in their specialties and often settle for positions in which they are over qualified (often marketing or sales positions).
In my last edition of "Culture Shock Ecuador" I recommended that Guayaquil now possessed numerous reasons to visit as a tourist. The city had made tremendous progress since the influx of tax dollars for projects, namely, the Malecon 2000, which is a world class project. Even more impressive to this author was the turnaround of Santa Ana hill which sits adjacent to "Las Penas". I remember thirty years ago, this was a no mans' zone and if you entered you may never leave with your life or your wallet. This is a wonderful example of a community and local government turning around a neighborhood with money and imagination. Residents of Guayaquil were very proud of the improvements in their city and there was a new sense of pride. No one could refer to Guayaquil as the "armpit" of Ecuador. However, crime is now a significant problem for those residing in or visiting Guayquil. It may be to soon to call it a war zone, it is certainly not a time to take safety for granite in almost any situation. The residents live in fear daily and police do not seem to have gotten control of security at an acceptable level.
Some Facts: There are at least 28 crimes committed daily that include assault, express kidnappings, and theft along with sexual assaults. This is compared to 2005, when an average of 13 crimes were committed. In the first seven months of this year there have been 176 robo expresses committed and over 4000 robberies. Shopping in malls is also no guaranty of safety any longer as both patrons and stores are under increase threat. Murder is also on the rise. While firearms are not currently permitted, guns are readily available. A recent report submitted that many of the juveniles arrested in Guayaquil are in possession of a firearm. An important aspect to remember is that many crimes go unreported in Guayaquil and in much of Ecuador. Therefore, the crime situation is much more dangerous then the above stated numbers represent. Most residents have very little trust in the criminal justice system. Victims also are reluctant to report crime in fear of retaliation by assailants. I recently had a close friend who has lived in Guayaquil as an expatriate for thirty years, was held up at gunpoint while getting out of his taxi. He did not report it to authorities. He believed there was no reason to do so as nothing would come of it. He was just happy to be alive.
August 28, 2009
TAXIS REQUIRED TO ACQUIRE TAXIMETERS IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS
There are 60,000 taxis in Ecuador. On July 27, 2009, an executive decree passed requiring that all taxis must obtain a taximeter within 18 months. These meters will also have the ability to produce receipts. Cuenca currently has 3,160 out of 3,512 taxis with the taximeter. However, only 1500 are operable. The company that can repair them is out of business. (TRAVEL SAFETY ECUADOR)
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