Another SCAM IN MEXICO!! Playa del Carmen - WE'RE LEAVING!!! 🇲🇽

[@ib516]

We got scammed in Mexico too (Playa Del Carmen) . Restaurant on the strip and a store on the strip. I caught the one at the restaurant but the store got us. I only noticed when we got back to the place we were staying and had wifi. I will never go back to that area.

[@TheDufresnes]

Ya it's crazy how much of it goes on! Costa Rica is a much better vacation spot!

[@ib516]

​@@TheDufresnes been there lots, moving there in 9 months!

[@TheDufresnes]

Congrats!

[@shaynadufresne]

​@ib516 best decision ever! Congrats!

[@escapedfromchanada8250]

LOL! Cash is king! Always use cash in Mexico.. easy to get Pesos so no reason to use your cards. Plus with the WEF plan, everyone should be using only cash! We stayed at your container home for about two days and had to move on, I ended up in San Jose Hospital with severe pneumonia and Covid.. I think we picked it up from the airplane, but sadly couldn't handle the A/C directly on us. We found Costa Rico much too expensive, the food unflavored and the Hotels were about to demand a vax pass in order to stay there so we moved to Mexico. Have been here since and are working on going off grid with some lovely people here. Costa Rico was lovely but when you learn the ropes in Mexico it's very good. I like it better.

[@mjay1703]

I agree with you cash is king n the WEF

[@shaynadufresne]

"Cash is king" until we move towards a cashless society which is coming soon! We didn't have an issue using cash and we did in some circumstances, but with Mexico being a very unsafe country, we did not feel comfortable walking around with large amounts of cash on us! Especially since Mexico is so expensive now, we weren't prepared to wander around with hundreds of dollars on us daily. Also, never heard of Costa Rico before. Where is it?

[@shaynadufresne]

There was never a "vaxx pass" in Costa Rica, so there was absolutely no reason to run away scared 😅

[@VivaLaNikita1]

Not all Mexico is like that, I’m sorry that it happened to you.

[@shaynadufresne]

We never once said that it was.

[@cr82558]

Unfortunately Never use a card in any store in Mexico

[@TheDufresnes]

Definitely learned that now!

[@shaynadufresne]

It should never be like that as it's not a very safe country especially walking around with large amounts of cash on you!

[@shewhothinks7603]

. . . And NEVER use a credit card when visiting the USA!

[@dovygoodguy1296]

People get scammed in the US too. But the credit card companies suspend the scammed charge.

[@SuperFlatrock]

I guess the moral of the story is, be careful using your credit card. Airfare, yes. Hotel via on-line bookings, yes. Otherwise, no or be very careful.... Just pay cash.

[@jules8164]

It happened to us at the gas station in Costa Rica before dropping off our car rental, but thankfully I caught him and he re-enter the correct amount. Sadly this can happen anywhere in the world these days, you can't trust anyone anymore.

[@TheDufresnes]

That's what I mentioned in the video, it can happen anywhere in the world but it seems a lot more common in Mexico

[@CG-bt7oc]

The safest transaction in Mexico would be to use cash only . Sorry this happened to you...again! By the way, we are in Samara right now, and are blown away with the beauty of this place, and the sweetness of the people here. You can't even compare costa rica with Mexico. We will never return to Mexico either!

[@shaynadufresne]

It's true! Nothing comes close to Costa Rica ❤🇨🇷

[@tompopowich8110]

Sorry for your disappointment in Mexico, Cancun is kind of a city built for tourists if I’m not mistaken. We have lived on the other side of Mexico for over 20 years and use our credit card regularly. I have never ever had that issue your talking about.

[@shaynadufresne]

It didn't happen in Cancun. It happened in Playa Del Carmen and Tulum both. Just because certain areas are built on/for tourism doesn't make it right or ok in any way, shape or form. That's a very good way for Mexico to ruin their reputation that's already not the greatest in the first place. It can happen anywhere of course, but 5 scams in total in less than 2 weeks is a little extreme if you ask me.

[@lilcookie8778]

“A lot of the machines they’ll like, put all the stuff and they’ll just turn it to do the pin and it doesn’t show how much you’re actually putting in. That’s what happened to us”… ok, let me translate, when you’re paying for something with a card, make sure they show you the amount due prior to entering your pin. A common scam is they’ll overcharge your account without you even knowing. So before sliding or entering your debit/credit card into the reader, verify the amount being charged.

[@TheDufresnes]

Exactly, or like the scam we had in Tulum where he pretended it didn't go through on the app on the phone when in reality the machine and app are not connected!

[@mitchparker8513]

Yeah I'm ready for some more CR content.

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha, it's coming! We are also in the planning stages of a small trip to Panama

[@kaiballington55]

Got scammed in Cancun/Isla Mujeres/Playa del Carmen big time at the farmacias. Even though the bottles are sealed, they put a lot less than the quantity given on the outside of the bottle. Will just buy it at the airport going forward.

[@amywamala]

Costa Rica also has the best snacks!! The chocolate 🍫 cakes are so tasty!

[@nancybrowning3380]

crazy a friend got her purse stolen in walmart puerto vallarta

[@TheDufresnes]

Terrible

[@perryelyod4870]

13:48 I found that comment humourous, that you would feel cold in The Central Valley, being climatized to the weather in Samara (beautiful area of Costa Rica btw). Over a year ago, I lived at 1800 metres elevation, in a cabin north of San Rafael, Heredia near Monte de la Cruz. This area has pine trees, not palm trees. I would always warn any guests coming from Canada to bring a warm sweater. Their skepticism soon turned to 'I'm glad I brought this sweater, it's downright cold here'. I'll soon be moving to Sarchi, which probably has some of the best weather and climate in the world, even if nearby Gercia makes that claim.

[@MS-bb3bj]

Not all latin countries are the same, it is good to know before to travel what others say. Morality can vary from country to country. I knew about that

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes we knew there would be ways people would try to scam us but definitely didn't think it would be in large brick and morter stores or a taxi in Tulum.

[@juanmolinamontes-jl2vo]

Hola,hermanos, amigos, soy el mariachi de mexico que canto en tacos el fogon de playa del cermen, felicidades por su canal y documentales de the dufresnes es increible y importante, dios les de muchas bendiciones, los quiero mucho, y gracias por estar en una de sus por tadas de mariachi en su documental me en canto, felicidades the dufresnes, love, suerte que dios los bendiga, gacias,

[@TheDufresnes]

Muchas gracias y que Dios te bendiga a ti también.

[@calleyboucaud1696]

OH MY GOSH!!! What!!!!! This is so disappointing! Gross that people do this stuff.

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes it's sad that people want to ruin people's holidays and the countries already shady reputation

[@PeterM-l9w]

I see it on regular basis with my job and try to warn people to not use credit card in that country

[@TheDufresnes]

Thank you!

[@amywamala]

My grandparents went to Acapulco in the 90s and got very sick from drinking the water 💧!! I have been to Costa Rica 🇨🇷 in 2019 for a month in Barva. I didn't care for city life but when I traveled outside to the country absolutely stunning and gorgeous 😍! My fiance and I will be visiting soon! I would love to stay at sea casa. He is from Uganda 🇺🇬 and I loved it there and went on a safari. We are getting married there in September!!

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes, a lot of Costa Ricans won't drink water outside of Costa Rica! Congratulations, that'll be a fun adventure as well. Definitely come stay with us at Sea Casa when you can!

[@amywamala]

@TheDufresnes thank you and we will definitely look into staying there! Looking forward to your next cozy 😊 video of Costa Rica 🇨🇷 😀!!!

[@SuperFlatrock]

It is the same in most developing countries that cater to tourists. The one exception is Cuba. If the locals get out of line, the police will not hesitate to "lay it on." On my last trip there, one poor young fellow was hassling tourists in an area that is off limits. A cop saw him and took out a very long stick. The local avoided an unpleasant encounter only after much theatrics. I can't imagine the locals really like tourists in any of these countries. They might like you to your face, but they will hate you behind your back. In Tulum you have to pay big dollars for access to the beach. The locals cannot afford to go on their beach!

[@dannydeavers9602]

Go to Thailand, much better!

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes I (Chris) have been there and we plan to go to Thailand to film and explore!

[@ezmealstravels9221]

Sad it happened.. I use my bofa travel card. It's insured, free.. quick call they take it right off no problem. Happened to me once at gas station in mexicali mexico.

[@TheDufresnes]

Our Canadian Visa was quick to reverse it

[@BAR475]

They tried to do this to me at a bar and I caught them when I paid the correct amount and didn’t leave a tip they tried to fight me 😅 Always use cash for transactions in that area. I never carry more than 100$ on me. Don’t put anything in your back pockets. They love stealing phones there.

[@lizardellipo4976]

Damn, that was my concern 💚 welcome home 💐

[@donmorrow1923]

Great that you’re back in CR. 👍 My first adventure to Mexico was in the 70’s at the age of 18, most of us young aware travellers carried a book called “The peoples guide to Mexico”, that was so full of information and stories, it was a must to bring along. It’s still available and a great book to read. A backpacking, bus riding, long haired hippy. Travellers cheques were the common method of carrying money back then, unless you had a Diners Club card. Most of my visits there were for 1-2 months or more. More than 7 trips to Mexico in my lifetime, including my one and only all-inclusive in 2018. From the Baja down to Guatemala, the central interior of Mexico, Belize, and to the Yucatan, Cancún, and all the eastern costal cities, up into the Northern border section next to the USA. I lived and stayed in a lot of it. Things never change by the sounds of it, and as one comment stated, not all Latin American countries are the same, some just never change and some only get worse. CR is far from being perfect in that aspect, either is Canada or many other countries, but you need to go in to CR knowing the various risks and Gringo pricing that will happen here, but the benefits far exceed the risks. As much as I knew Mexico, (my older brother actually retired there), it was never on my radar as a place I’d like to retire to from the experiences I had there kept my focus on my other Latin/Spanish speaking countries. Some folks never have had an issue in Mexico and that’s wonderful, but if you have 1-2-3-4 or more of various sorts, you’re not about to want to go back. Why?

[@TheDufresnes]

Thanks for sharing! Yes each country is different, we never felt unsafe but we felt that hands were in our pockets the entire time, something we have not experienced in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Thailand. It's seems that maybe since the pandemic Mexico's prices have risen like everywhere and people are trying to find a way to make up for lost wages. It's really too bad!

[@Kathy-ls2rw]

So sorry that happened to you guys.😠

[@bluestarfishsea]

I was just there for a month and was never scammed. I used cash mostly. My only complaint is the taxi prices but they were always upfront about the high prices 😅😂 Awesome that visa supported your claim, good to hear 👌

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes anyone going to Mexico use cash whenever possible! Even tips on a bill is a scam, it's actually illegal.

[@lizajane1878]

I beg to differ about Costa Rica! They scam too! My friends made a reservation online to rent a car for a week a month in advance and cancelled it under 24 hrs per the policy. They ran their CC for $4000.00! Scammers everywhere

[@TheDufresnes]

We didn't say it doesn't happen here, if you watch the video and pay attention I said it can happen anywhere, but personally we have not been scammed here in Costa Rica or Nicaragua or the Dominican Republic, or Thailand. But we had multiple scams in Mexico in less then 2 week!

[@perryelyod4870]

Speaking of renting a car in Costa Rica - there is a mandatory insurance charge that is never disclosed aside from a few independent car rental companies. Use them just for being honest about this. This charge can almost equal the daily charge, and double the charges you were expecting when you return the car. Your credit card does not cover this insurance charge, and some credit cards do not cover the optional insurance charges in Costa Rica specifically at all. Call your credit card company to confirm coverage, or lack there off. Also, be aware that there is a rather ridiculous clause that prohibits driving off tarmac roads. Good luck with that in a country with half the roads not paved.

[@TheDufresnes]

You can fight this and its too bad because it's only the rental companies at the airport that will charge this, we've had plenty of guests and family go into the Alamo /enterprise here in Samara after picking up their car at the airport and get them to remove the extra insurance they charge near the airports. As for the tarmac thing you mentioned, it's not that you can't drive on gravel roads, it's you can't drive through water crossings.

[@trey8367]

😂​@@TheDufresnes

[@eldorado1244]

Every few years when l have that urge to get ripped off l will fly some where in Mexico, they've never failed me

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha at least they are consistent!

[@colinhill6287]

This gives me the jetters, we’re in Cozumel in July, last time was 93 and didn’t notice any scammers, having said that there wasn’t any KZbin either, so I’ll be on the look out, shame you have to do this when all you want to do is chill out and enjoy yourself, thanks for posting and making people aware👍😎

[@TheDufresnes]

Ya it's terrible! Especially when we were wanting to really show Mexico as something different then people say it is. We did have some good times there, especially on Isla Mujeres. We're more excited for our 2 day trip into Panama at the end of this month! Come stay with us in Costa Rica next time!

[@dustinrussell5411]

Nice Vlog you guys! Too bad about the scammer! Hopefully you get that sorted!

[@TheDufresnes]

Thanks Dustin, we did get this scam sorted that day, we're still waiting on thr one we had in Tulum to be dealt with tho

[@marcomagana8340]

Bye Felicia

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha you can't steal our sayings! I guess you're all for people getting ripped off, shows a lot about your character, God bless y Pura Vida, Karen

[@l.b.1952]

I always find it funny how ppl think they can travel the world and foreign countries and act like they are "home". First of all: do not pay anything anywhere with your card. Just take cash with you. I do not even take cash from ATMs anywhere if I am not in Europe. Please remember: different countries, different rules and where there are ppl in need you will be scammed if you are not careful. You can get scammed in the US too, and also in Europe, anywhere. Just be cautious when traveling. Second of all: take what you need with you, so you do not have to buy a lot there. And if you buy something it only will be for a few hundred dollars which you can take with you anyway. - Just something I experienced and I find very strange: on all my trips a met a lot of Americans - in Mexico, Cuba, Dom. Rep, Jamaica etc and lot had in common that they complain about the country they visit, telling us "stupid" Europeans why the USA is sooo much better than the rest of the world. I do not really like this attitude - if the USA is so great - then why do you travel to the Caribbean. Just stay in Flordia and everything will be as you expect. The dessert will be sweet enough and everyone around you is talking English.

[@TheDufresnes]

Next time I suggest watching the entire video before commenting, because now you sound stupid. #1 we aren't from the USA #2 we live in a "third world country" and travel to different countries and haven't had so many scams happen in 2 weeks, again if you actually watched the video you would have known that. #3 Yes definitely carrying cash is key but you also don't want to carry a lot of cash on you because if it's stolen it's actually gone and can't be resolved like it can be with a credit card, what are you going to do when everything goes to a cashless society? Like Norway has gone? You're comment it very long winded for absolutely no reason and also stop using the slang Americans, there are 3 Americas which makes anyone from Canada to Chile 'American' and its not "talking English" it's speaking English you uneducated knob.. Good luck with all your tarot readings haha

[@HarryHollertheWolf]

You’re using your credit card in Mexico?

[@TheDufresnes]

Yup, We've used our credit card in Costa Rica and Nicaragua for 6 years with no problems. Definitely learned not to use credit card in Mexico if we ever were to go back (highly unlikely)

[@yomeroc9713]

Yea stay in Costa Rica don’t look back

[@TheDufresnes]

Definitely! Plus I can fly my drones here!

[@heathermckinnon1865]

And people are in the water with red flags. "It won't happen to me" type of people. And then they drown.

[@tylorpaulson60]

Good to see you guys home Safe and sound! 🙌🏽

[@shaynadufresne]

Thank you 🙏😊

[@TheDufresnes]

thanks!

[@alexandreamcclure6037]

Love Mexico. Hate the water.

[@TheDufresnes]

the water on the west side of Isla Mujeres was the best we experienced there!

[@shaynadufresne]

Liked the water, hated the scams 🙃

[@TheDufresnes]

Didn't like having to buy water to drink!

[@shaynadufresne]

@@TheDufresnes ahhh yes if referring to drinking water, that was ridiculous having to buy it everywhere we went. I love how we have some of the best water in the world in Costa Rica and can drink it right out of the tap ❤️

[@sharonlacoste9184]

So sorry that happened to you guys!! Definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

[@SunShyne-of3xj]

NEVER use your pin....I traveled to Mexico and it has never happened to us. Traveled to Playa Del Carmen and Cabo.

[@SilviaHoard]

Where did You stay?

[@truthteller6743]

No troubles in Huatulco. It's where Mexicans go to relax. Loved it. Told you. Next time Huatulco. Lol.

[@TheDufresnes]

Noted, for next time! If there is one

[@moreadventure9000]

I’m digging the intro music! Sounds great watching in my Truck

[@TheDufresnes]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@billgalli5991]

This is one of your videos .

[@TheDufresnes]

Not sure what this means?

[@supportdesk7703]

Mexico is like the India of the Americas. 😅

[@shaynadufresne]

💯💯💯

[@Mexican01o101]

My beautiful Mexico has thousands of defense mechanism against Anglo Saxon invaders.. bye ✌️

[@TheDufresnes]

Jajaja que gracioso como escribes tu comentario en ingles! ¡Si realmente amabas a tu país, escribirías en el idioma nativo! Adiós y Pura Vida!

[@Mexican01o101]

Cállese alv ese mensaje no era para ti. Era para esos colonizadores que quieren adueñarse de nuestro territorio…

[@TheDufresnes]

Shut up? Wow very hostile! You didn't direct your comment to anyone so how is someone supposed to know? We were only there to try and show the good side of Mexico and all we got was ripped off and now someone like you making rude comments. Very bad representation of a country, it's people and it's culture. What part of the USA are you living in?

[@Mexican01o101]

I’m living in the USA but I’m Mexican. Sorry if i came off as rude. Only said shut up because I thought I was speaking to a paisa that came to your defense but it was you that was replying. Anyways you visit my country with your strong purchasing power and think you can get away without paying a tax!?

[@TheDufresnes]

So you can say all the stuff about people moving to Mexico to make a life change and you disagree but yet you move to the united states to do the same? That very hipocritical! Nope I have no problem paying for a taxi, not over paying or having my card charged for over $400 is what my issue is. Then to get another Credit card scam in an established business on 5th ave is shit.

[@uliseszarate6561]

LOL! I've traveled all over México and even lived there over ten years and never got scammed. I went to Costa Rica back in the 90s with very high expectations and the whole country seemed like a scam: Everything charged is USD, higher prices for foreigners, crappy food and tips are mandatory and included in your check by law with the corresponding horrible customer service, national parks overrun with tourists, horrible infrastructure, I could go on and on. Sorry for your bad experience in Mexico but every travel experience is unique and looks like you had bad luck. And by the way Americans are scammed using their credit cards by the hundreds every single day here in the USA and it happens in Costa Rica as well. Like I stated, it's all personal experience. I myself would never go back to Costa Rica unless it was a free trip!

[@drinkbeerandtravel]

I’ve been to both countries and I have been scammed in Mexico, by the tourist police of all people when driving back to the airport. So you should keep your LOL as Mexico is extremely scammy. Here’s my free tip.

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha Costa Rica in the 90s was completely different then it is now, your comparison is irrelevant. I (Chris) have been to Thailand and traveled the entire country and never had this happen there. Dominican Republic too, no scams there when we traveled around. We're not the only ones to have these scams happen recently, read the comments. Tips are mandatory in Costa Rica because people like you would most likely not tip being a cheap ass by the sounds of it, if you think Costa Rica is expensive haha. Everything charged in USD? Not even true at all, maybe back in the past millennium when you visited. Yes there are different prices for foreigners in places like national parks, to promote locals to visit parks as well, something Canada and the United States should adopt. Over run with tourist! Haha you're one of those? So you think you should be the only tourist allowed to visit a national park? Horrible infrastructure? Again in the 90s yes, much better here then lets say Michigan! We're glad you won't come back to Costa Rica, your kind aren't welcome! Pura Vida

[@TheDufresnes]

Exactly! Like we've said 6 years living here in Costa Rica and numerous trips to Nicaragua and haven't had any scam happen.

[@shaynadufresne]

As Chris mentioned in the video, it can definitely happen anywhere in the world of course. If you call getting scammed 4 times in less than 2 weeks of vacation "bad luck" then you need to re-think things about the country of Mexico. It's highly known to be dangerous and the locals are constantly looking at ways to work an angle and rip tourists off at any chance they have. Most times, it's the ONLY reason they try to be welcoming or are even friendly to tourists in the first place! Totally different overall behavior and vibe in general than Costa Rica where the people are genuinely welcoming and happy and appreciative. Comparing Mexico to Costa Rica is like comparing apples to oranges in many ways and the fact that you are comparing an experience of yours in Costa Rica over 30 years ago is not one bit legit, sorry. Mexico was ok aside from the obvious, but it is definitely no Costa Rica!

[@shaynadufresne]

There is also a thing called "Profeco" happening all over the place in Mexico if you'd like to research it. Locals adding 20% gratuities to all restaurant bills ILLEGALLY and trying to get away with it! They usually do, because most "dumb tourists" don't pay attention and in turn are forced to pay an extra 20% for even the crappiest of service. Unless, you are smart enough to do your due diligence and research such behavior and know that this is not allowed there, you can simply mention the word "profeco" to any Mexican and they instantly get nervous and remove the illegal charge from your bill. Was quite interesting 😊

[@chesterwillger7017]

I’m confused on what happened? It was never explained 😬

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes it was explained while I'm on the phone! Watch the video!

[@chesterwillger7017]

@@TheDufresnes I’m sorry I did watch the video I rewound that part a few times and I still don’t get what happened. Sorry if you are irritated with me wanting more explanation but I seriously don’t understand.

[@TheDufresnes]

I clearly say what happened, went to buy 2 small things of bug spray in Playa del Carmen and got charged almost $700 Canadian on my credit card. Very clear!

[@chesterwillger7017]

@@TheDufresnes damn dude You got some attitude. Just curious how it happened If they just over charged, you Stoled your card info, obviously they didn’t charge you right there and then cuz you didn’t get an alert from your credit card app/text. I go To playa a lot And just wanted more of a heads up on how it happened, but forget it You obviously don’t want to talk more about it .

[@TheDufresnes]

Really? Attitude hey? I just don't like having to explain something that's stated in the video. Here you go... They put a dollar amount in the machine that doesnt have a screen then you put your pin in, then afterwards when you check your banking you see that the amount they put in is a lot larger then it should have been again I said I clearly state what happened in the video which is this. Our credit card doesn't give a notification which is why I had to deal with it on the phone in Cancun. Out of almost 3000 views you're the only one that didn't understand what happened 🤔