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naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Kidnappings here in Peru usually happen to politicians and rich people, but everyone should be alert. Here are two ploys that have been used on me recently, so just be aware.

In October, I was downtown in a nice area looking for flights in travel agencies. As I left one another woman left after me. When we were outside she asked if I was looking for flights. I said yes. She said she worked for a travel agency. I asked for her card. She didn't have one with her. She then offered to take me to the travel agency in a taxi. I said thanks and walked away. Don't get into taxis with unknown people, no matter what they tell you.

The second happened to me yesterday. I got a call from some at my bank. She said that they were having a breakfast in order to ask me my opinion about the bank. She wanted to get info from me, such as where I lived, what I did, etc. Don't give out info over the phone. Even if they say that they are from a place where you have accounts. If it's true, they should have your information, there's no reason why they need to ask for it. She told me that the breakfast was free and a taxi would be provided. Just like the first situation, don't get into taxis with people you don't know. I then called the bank. They said they there was no breakfast. What happens is that people inside the bank or company sell info to others, that's how they know you're a customer there.

These are just some of the ploys, I'm sure they're are more. Overall I feel safe here. Just always be wary. And in my opinion, public transport is safer than taxis.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

OMG I can't believe you can write those two stories and then calmly say that you "overall" feel safe there. Well done to you Smile

I have to say though that that has just put me off Peru for life. Smile

Only kidding, kind off, but it does make ya think.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

At least being a foreigner in japan, there is no fear of being kidnapped for money as we are the poorest people in society. We might just end up robbing them.

I heard Colombia is bad for kidnappings. How does Peru compare to Colombia?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Really, it's just "common sense" anywhere in the world. If a stranger asks you for your personal information in, say, Boise Idaho, would you give it to them?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

It can happen anywhere. But Latin America is probably where it happens most...I'm with Naturegirl. If you pay attention, and use common sense, no major worries.

Another ploy is the "ignorant peasant who won the lottery." A campesino looking guy wanders up to strangers, carrying a note he can't read. THe note says "this guy has a winning lottery ticket" or an insurance judgement, or something else that means he's going to get a lot of money...but he needs help with the bureacracy, as he can't read. To help him make his claim, and receive a share, take him to _______ (A street address.)

Don't, obviously. And if you can, when you run into this guy, talk to the police, security guards, or locals who can arrange to move him on out of your neighborhood.

Also, don't answer surveys on the street if they ask for personal details, or a signature....

slds,
Justin

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Jeez, there was me warning a newbie about the shoeshine guys who drop a brush in front of foreigners because we are polite and will point out his loss. He then insists on cleaning your shoes....... then demanding a fortune. Seems like the traffic in Istanbul is still the biggest danger.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Sgt Killjoy · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 438

I'm kind of shocked as well about the two incidents, but it wouldn't deter me from living in Peru, it would just make me acutely aware of dangers that exist.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Margot73 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 145 Location: New York City

When I lived in Nigeria, a local man came to my workplace and told me that he represented a Korean lady who wanted a US visa. He offered to pay me USD2000 to ride with them in her car to the consulate which was a 3 hour drive away. I was supposed to tell the consulate that I was the Korean lady's sponsor...Riiiiight! He was very pushy and told me that Nigerians were very hospitable to visitors (true) and now I had to repay the kindness buy helping her (a Korean.) WTF???

lemonsong · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 11

Hod....

That was the best chuckle I've had in ages!

Sally Army kidnappers, eh?

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

I get the impression Mr lemonsong is not taking this topic seriously.