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restorm

Jan 1, 2013, 7:23 AM

Post #1 of 21 (2749 views)

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Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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We've been coming to Mexico for a month or two each year for 20 years, and I've never experienced this before.

We have filled our rental car's tank 4 times on this trip. Two of those times were at Pemex stations on Highway 307: one of them just south of Playa del Carmen, and the other one just north of Tulum centro. In both cases, the bill was over 500 pesos, so I handed the attendant a 500-peso bill and a 100-peso bill. In both cases, they deftly switched the 500-peso note for a 50-peso note, and told me I had made a mistake.

The first time it happened, I was sure that I had given him the right notes, but gave him the benefit of the doubt, and took back the 50 and gave him a(nother) 500. But the more I thought about it afterwards, the more I became convinced that I'd been the victim of a sleight-of-hand trick.

I could of weeks later, I hit another Hwy 307 Pemex, and was distracted by some thought, and forgot about the sleight-of-hand danger. Sure enough, exactly the same thing happened again, and I know it wasn't my mistake, because I took the 500 from a pocket that only contained 500's.

There was a local cop nearby, so I didn't challenge the attendant. With Mexico's Napoleanic legal code, the attendant only had to tell the cop I was trying to cheat him, and I'd spend the rest of my vacation in jail.

The ploy always seems to start with the attendant being very friendly and curious about your trip. They use these questions to make sure you're a tourist, and not an ex-pat (who might be able to cause problems for them). The friendliness also makes it harder for us to accuse them of cheating us.

I had no such problems in Merida or Cozumel: it seems to be a highway 307 scam. Has anyone else noticed it?

(This post was edited by restorm on Jan 1, 2013, 7:25 AM)

yucatandreamer

Jan 1, 2013, 8:15 AM

Post #2 of 21 (2725 views)

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Re: [restorm] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Here in Mérida they regularly do it in the Pemex in centro on 59. We have also had it happen in Xpuil near Calakmul and Escarcega. It is one of many Pemex scams. You probably will not fall for it again. Often we will order gas in 200 peso amounts and make sure the attendant sees the bill as we hand it over. My husband has refused to pa,y but I understand not doing it on a vacation with a possibly corrupt cop standing by.

restorm

Jan 1, 2013, 8:21 AM

Post #3 of 21 (2722 views)

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Re: [yucatandreamer] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Sounds like you're an ex-pat, so maybe I was wrong about their only targeting tourists?

YucaLandia

Jan 1, 2013, 10:10 AM

Post #4 of 21 (2712 views)

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Re: [restorm] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Two different attendants at the Pemex on Izaes (in Merida - aross from the Telmex office), tried the same scam 3 different times with me. The first time, I stood my ground, requiring that they fill the tank for the entire amount, but I internally wrote it off as a bit of confusion by an illiterate Maya attendant. When it happened again, exactly the same way the same guy 2 weeks later, I chided him para su trampas malas . When it happened a 3'rd time at the same station, but with a different attendant, there is no doubt that they were intentionally running a scam by switching bills and claiming different amounts.

This was the first time for this to happen to us in 7 years in Merida, while in contrast, we have run into scamming police or scamming Pemex guys every other time we go to Quintina Roo. The last time it happened in Cancun, my wife trotted over to the manager's office at the Pemex station, and as she pointed out the offending attendant, he looked alarmed, and took off running down the street, ducking into a side lot, as the other Pemex attendants broke out into gales of laughter...

Caveat emptor.

and ... if you want it to stop, feel free to complain to the management and point out the particular offender...
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Jan 1, 2013, 10:12 AM)

playaboy

Jan 1, 2013, 10:39 AM

Post #5 of 21 (2697 views)

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Re: [restorm] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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I have driven all over Mexico and Pemex ripoffs happen everywhere in Mexico.

This is how I have learned to avoid getting ripped off. 1) is to order all my fuel in liter amounts (20 liter multiples) not pesos. 2) is to watch the pump and not to take my eyes off the pump. Do not get distracted. 3) hold up the pesos notes and verbally count out the bills in plain sight. Most newer Pemex now have video cameras to watch the workers and customers.

I have even seen the pump amount change right in front of my eyes after finishing pumping fuel. All of a sudden another 100 pesos was added. That one was solved in the managers office with the threat of a complaint to Profeca. She knew that she was caught dead on. That manager also topped off my tank to make me happy.

Buying fuel in Mexico is different than buying fuel in the USA. Learn the differences and you will not get ripped off.

(This post was edited by playaboy on Jan 1, 2013, 10:57 AM)

sfmacaws

Jan 2, 2013, 9:27 AM

Post #6 of 21 (2634 views)

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Re: [restorm] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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They are famous for doing that in QRoo. You can complain to the manager or take a cell phone pic of the guy and say you will report to Profeco. To avoid it I generally hold the bill up and say the amount and make them nod before I let go of it. They know why you are doing that and they get it.

Funny story. Many years ago a friend who installed sat systems got a call from a customer that a part needed replacing. The customer had a huge beachfront estate north of Playa, armed guards at the gate, etc. my friend couldn't get there right away and they said they would send a couple of the "boys" to Akumal to get the part. The "boys" arrived in a brand new Hummer and insisted that he go with them to Tulum for lunch. They stopped for gas at the old station just before town. Brand new bright yellow Hummer, 2 Colombians in front, how many more clues did the stupid gas jockey need? He chatted them up as usual, remarked on their Colombian accents, asked where they were from and they told him Medellin. They handed him a 500 and he made the switch. My friend was terrified that they would just kill him but instead the driver grabbed his shirt and pulled him halfway in the car, took the 50 he was holding and stuck it in his mouth, took the big wad of Pemex cash, threw him back out of the car and drove off with all his money. They were laughing and said, now we will have a really good lunch! That guy flunked the Darwin test but it shows that they aren't too smart and they will try it on anyone.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

restorm

Jan 5, 2013, 9:09 AM

Post #7 of 21 (2512 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Hi, Jonna:

A postscript on this thread: I had one more fill-up on 307 before we flew home last night. Topping the tank was 300 pesos and change. I carefully showed him the 200 bill and the 100 bill, and said out loud the amount of each. While I fishing out the coins, he deftly switched the 200 for a 20: I never even saw it happen. He tried to tell me I had given him the 20, but this time (older and wiser), I just waved him off with a big smile, saying "uh, uh, uh", and he gave up the attempt. As sleazy as it is, I'm starting to see it as more of a game. Guess that means I was down there too long (5 weeks), huh?

BTW: that dentist you sent me to in Playa was excellent. For 900 pesos, he did a job my U.S. dentist quoted at $1850...quicker, better, and totally painlessly!

sfmacaws

Jan 5, 2013, 9:44 AM

Post #8 of 21 (2502 views)

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Re: [restorm] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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I'm so glad you were happy with Dr Rubén, he is a great guy and a great dentist. The first time I went to him he asked if I minded some music while he worked, I said no and he switched on the Beatles from his laptop. It was one of the best dentist sessions I've ever had. He's also a diver and is involved in searches for old wrecks along the coast.

I think you've got it now, it is a game and usually they will give up quickly. For one thing, they don't want to be reported as most Pemex have a 3 times and you're out type of rule. I have taken their picture a couple of times when they were aggressive, they try and hide and I have some good shots of guys in Pemex shirts with their red rag over their face ;)

Hope you can return often.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

mexliving

Sep 16, 2013, 12:53 AM

Post #9 of 21 (499 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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I used to read the post from all getting scammed with the switch the 500 peso bill to 50..... I though all the victims where dumb until it happened to me.... I wanted to drive back and run the attendant over with my car..

I understand the bad wages they earn so I don't blame them for trying .....

Moisheh

Sep 29, 2013, 4:21 PM

Post #10 of 21 (345 views)

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Re: [mexliving] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Bad wages!! I don't think so. Most but not all stations are unionized. They get all kinds of perks. Monthly vouchers for groceries and more. If they try to pull a fast one just stand your ground( not Florida stylel). They will back down.

Moisheh

Bennie García

Sep 30, 2013, 6:17 PM

Post #11 of 21 (288 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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In Reply To

Where did you hear this?

(This post was edited by RickS on Sep 30, 2013, 8:04 PM)

cbviajero

Sep 30, 2013, 8:29 PM

Post #12 of 21 (274 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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It's my understanding that they're paid the minimum wage plus tips and often have to kick back to the boss.

Moisheh

Oct 1, 2013, 3:30 AM

Post #13 of 21 (261 views)

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Re: [cbviajero] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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At the Pemex in Hermosillo where I buy gas. I have known the attendant for 5 years. Not all are unionized and yes in some areas they do have to "pay for their job". Corruption in Mexico is just a way of life.

Moisheh

hodamayo

Oct 1, 2013, 6:05 AM

Post #14 of 21 (254 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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I have lived here for 12 years and never been scammed on any station on 307. I get gas from Cancun to Chetumal. Not once. I do though always fill up full though. I say Lleno de tanque. I would think that if someone were traveling they would try to learn at least some of the needed language to get by in any country they travel. I see too many idiots out they just wrapping in English, like they are supposed to understand? This is their country, have some respect and it will be given back. You have to smarter than the equipment you operate. If you like like easy prey you will be taken advantage of.
Mike Mayo
hodamayo@hotmail.com
998 147 2532 Telcel
998 285 2985 office
832 861 5106 Vonage

cbviajero

Oct 1, 2013, 6:50 AM

Post #15 of 21 (252 views)

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Re: [hodamayo] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Lleno de tanque?

Moisheh

Oct 1, 2013, 10:31 AM

Post #16 of 21 (224 views)

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Re: [cbviajero] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Actually asking for a full tank is an error. Many stations can alter the amount of gas you get. In order to prevent this you should ask for a specific amount of litres If you think that 50 litres will fill your tank ask for 60 and make sure he sets that amount at the pumps. You will get full measure. Language has nothing to do with this!

Bennie García

Oct 1, 2013, 6:39 PM

Post #17 of 21 (204 views)

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Re: [Bennie García] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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Why was my post edited? The message I quoted was nonsense. My criticism was not of the poster but of the message.

YucaLandia

Oct 2, 2013, 5:43 AM

Post #18 of 21 (172 views)

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Re: [Moisheh] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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In Reply To

Moisheh,
Do you have an idea of how they can alter the amount of gas?

Can they alter the amount of gas as they are pumping the gas, or does the cheating automatically occur on every sale?

If it is like the scams in USA, (esp. California), the station replaces a chip or a circuit board in the pump, and that chip shows artificially high volumes of fuel for the price ~ except at the volumes of fuel that the Government uses calibrated containers to check the pumps. This is why some other posters have proposed that we buy gasoline in 20L increments - ordering 20 or 40 liters, because the cheating circuit boards (or cheating chips) are set up to deliver the correct amounts of fuel at the 20L and 40L points that correspond to the Govt's checks.
Happy Trails,
steve
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

CozICan

Oct 2, 2013, 8:56 AM

Post #19 of 21 (159 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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About a month ago here on Cozumel I filled up at our newest gas Pemex station. I went in with my gas tank about 1/3 filled. When it reached 79 liters I knew something was wrong because my tank only hold 75 liters bone dry. I am aware of all the scams and I figure the pumps must be set to show more liters and pesos than actually pumped. The next time I filled up at a different station and everything was back to normal. I figured out the difference and it worked out to about 36% short, that is a lot. If they would be satisfied with shorting you only about a 10% ripoff probably no one would notice. It is just poor greed.

On another note, I have been watching the Propane trucks when they fill my tanks because I was being short changed. Last week when I received my filled tank I thought it was lighter than the tank next to it that I had been using for 1 1/2 weeks. I went to the office to complain, with no satisfaction and I then went and tracked down a previous driver that I trusted but he was transferred to a different Colonia. He agreed that it did not seem right and took the tank and had it checked and filled. He said that my 30 Kilo tank was short by 8 kilos which is almost 30%, again just plain greed. It is bad enough that the price of Propane goes up every month but to get shorted also is a bitch. Again, if they would be satisfied with about a 10% rip off probably no one would notice.Propane here is now up to 402 kilos for a 30 kilo tank, is it different in other parts of Mexico ???

playaboy

Oct 3, 2013, 5:13 AM

Post #20 of 21 (111 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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The Jefe in the office can change how the gas pumps work from the comfort of his desk. At large stations there are TV cameras watching everything. I have seen the amount on the pump change before my eyes, adding an extra hundred pesos. I once saw a pump zero out after the gas was pumped with nobody near the pump.

I filed a complaint with Profeca once. They strongly suggested that I order gas by the liter and only in 20 liter increments.

Another thing you can do is to use the stations that the taxi's use.

CozICan

Oct 3, 2013, 3:05 PM

Post #21 of 21 (83 views)

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Re: [CozICan] Has anyone else noticed the Pemex sleight-of-hand trick on Highway 307?

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I payed a visit to the local Cozumel PROFECO Office today and made official complaints about being ripped of at both Tomza Gas and the newest Pemex Station on Juarez. The man there was very interested in what I said and assured me that mine were not the first complaints received regarding the same. He also encouraged me to have my friends make complaints as well if they have been ripped off. Also there are so many complaints regarding LP Gas and Gasoline providers that there as a national complaint centre that is set up to record complaints on a national Data Base for these two commodities. The e-mail for the LP Gas is denunciasgaslp@profeco.gob.mx and the e-mail for Gasoline complaints is denunciasgasolina@profeco.gob.mx The government has published a brochure dedicated to these two ripoffs. The man here said he would like to see more people get involved by complaining about these ripoffs because it would build stronger cases to end these problems. The Jefe of the Cozumel Tourist Police was also in the office at the same time and was very interested in what I had to say.