I've visited the Mexican resort city of Playa del Carmen (40 miles south of Cancun) and while there attempted to withdraw cash from a Banamex ATM (Cajero). The first time I attempted to withdraw 4,000 pesos (equivalent to about $ 300.00) and the machine responded by deducting the funds from my bank account. But instead of paying me the cash, I received a receipt stating that I had received $ 0.00 in funds.
Startled by this dubious nature of transaction, I tried to get the assistance of the bank employees to give me my cash or to return the funds to my bank account. Needless to say, I received zero cooperation and was told that these things happened sometimes. I made the manager aware of the fact that the ATM should not be operating if it was out of cash. My suggestions fell on deaf ears and I was told to wait some time until the money would be returned to my account. Eventually, 10 days later, it was!
Having not learned my lesson, I went to another Banamex ATM about two weeks later, requesting 2,000 pesos this time. Lightning wouldn't strike me twice. Oh yes it would. Same thing happens again. The machine goes through the process of counting the money, but then again, instead of cash I get the ever meaningless receipt. Once again I contact Banamex. This time through their website customer support section. This is the response:
In response to your e-mail sended through queremos escucharte with the folio xxxxxxxxxxxxx, we're inform you that this kind of issues for us are realy embarrassing, we realy sorry, if the money doesn't back to your account you must make contact with your bank who will be available to make the aclaration procedure.
with respect and regards.
Mesa de Control
Programa Queremos Escucharte
Grupo Financiero Banamex
Of course, there is nothing I can accomplish with this response. My bank has nothing to do with Banamex ATM's and I am instructed to resolve the issue with Banamex in Mexico. However, Banamex doesn't want anything to do with the operation of their ATM's. They blame everyone else and no one seems to know who manages these things. Two weeks have passed by and no money in sight! And I am beginning to think that I will never see the return of these $ 150.00.
I am left to file a Police report which is about as meaningless as the receipt on which my cash deduction was printed on. Is this Mexico for you? No, this is Banamex because the same thing doesn't happen at other banks! Maybe they need to rip off unknowing Gringo's in order to keep themselves afloat. Either way, a word to the wise, when in Mexico DO NOT USE BANAMEX ATM'S or you might be financing someone elses fiesta that day. Theft is very much alive in Mexico It's shifted from the streets on to the banking system.
John v.
Davos Platz
Switzerland
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