Not all is as it sometimes seems

[aquaman]

For the past 5 years I have travelled several times a year to lovely Aruba and now own a home there. In that timeframe I have been exposed to both the good and bad aspects of Aruba. I must stress that overall the good far outweigh the bad. Recently, we had a little incident that involved slight property damage to a building when backing up a rental truck. For insurance purposes for the building’s owner it was necessary to file an incident report with the Polis. The damage was very slight on the building, but the law in Aruba requires such a report no matter how small the damage. We spent a fascinating hour or so at the Polis station while they typed up a brief statement. During, and after, the Sergeant regaled us with stories of growing up on Aruba, where he had travelled etc. All in all, a rather pleasant time was spent. We of course, were expecting the worse. In our discussions I had mentioned an Aruba project I was working and how I was researching some material. That night I received a personal email from this man, attaching a ton of old photos and pertinent material. As we were leaving the Polis station, he issued a very strong warning to be careful about whom we befriended and got associated with on the beach, including some of the people working for watersports companies etc. This got me thinking about a situation I encountered first hand. It involved one of the catamaran operators and a particularly bad apple working there in the role as a Captain. This individual targets young women in the 28—40 bracket and spins yarns to win over their sympathies by claiming financial woes. He is a master at it and generally ends up with dinner, drinks and more from these unsuspecting targets. This behaviour has cost him his job at one of the other companies. I hear through the community, and through firsthand knowledge, he is partnered with a woman who is a professional credit card skimmer. To meet this person, you would think he is charming. It turns out he is anything but. He also offers to escort tourists to off the beaten path places. At different bars and when dealing with people he uses different names. Businesses in Aruba know him as he cons them into small amounts of credit and then disappears and they are left holding the bag.

I bring this up to let people know that these situations exist. It was upon reflecting the Sergeants advice that I thought of this and offer it to the forum members. In accordance with the forum rules I cannot disclose more detail. I wish I could but must respect the rules. I hope this stops some from getting fleeced.

Please remember though, like anywhere, even in your own neighborhood, take caution on whom you befriend. Still, Aruba still is one of the safest resort destinations in the world.

[jerseygirl]

Thanks for your post Aquaman. These things are so important for us to know. Everyone on the island seems so nice that it can be really easy to fall for something like this.

[sherryf]

aquaman, thank you for the info. you are right that aruba is one of the safest travel destinations. you are also right that caution is important everywhere.

several years ago we were burglarized on aruba. six months later our home was burglarized in maryland. it just proves that bad things can happen, even in the best of places and the places we feel most secure. we must always use caution no matter where we are.

Originally Posted by aquaman

For the past 5 years I have travelled several times a year to lovely Aruba and now own a home there. In that timeframe I have been exposed to both the good and bad aspects of Aruba. I must stress that overall the good far outweigh the bad. Recently, we had a little incident that involved slight property damage to a building when backing up a rental truck. For insurance purposes for the building’s owner it was necessary to file an incident report with the Polis. The damage was very slight on the building, but the law in Aruba requires such a report no matter how small the damage. We spent a fascinating hour or so at the Polis station while they typed up a brief statement. During, and after, the Sergeant regaled us with stories of growing up on Aruba, where he had travelled etc. All in all, a rather pleasant time was spent. We of course, were expecting the worse. In our discussions I had mentioned an Aruba project I was working and how I was researching some material. That night I received a personal email from this man, attaching a ton of old photos and pertinent material. As we were leaving the Polis station, he issued a very strong warning to be careful about whom we befriended and got associated with on the beach, including some of the people working for watersports companies etc. This got me thinking about a situation I encountered first hand. It involved one of the catamaran operators and a particularly bad apple working there in the role as a Captain. This individual targets young women in the 28—40 bracket and spins yarns to win over their sympathies by claiming financial woes. He is a master at it and generally ends up with dinner, drinks and more from these unsuspecting targets. This behaviour has cost him his job at one of the other companies. I hear through the community, and through firsthand knowledge, he is partnered with a woman who is a professional credit card skimmer. To meet this person, you would think he is charming. It turns out he is anything but. He also offers to escort tourists to off the beaten path places. At different bars and when dealing with people he uses different names. Businesses in Aruba know him as he cons them into small amounts of credit and then disappears and they are left holding the bag.

I bring this up to let people know that these situations exist. It was upon reflecting the Sergeants advice that I thought of this and offer it to the forum members. In accordance with the forum rules I cannot disclose more detail. I wish I could but must respect the rules. I hope this stops some from getting fleeced.

Please remember though, like anywhere, even in your own neighborhood, take caution on whom you befriend. Still, Aruba still is one of the safest resort destinations in the world.

[Andrea J.]

thanks aquaman for your story.

all of us, especially some that are young and inexperienced can be snowed (taken in) during a vacation/holiday.
ahhhh to be young and have a "local guy", tanned, probably handsome, take notice.....
.......sounds like CRUISE SHIP ROMANCES

all should always be vigilant and careful.

and as aquaman says "take caution on whom you befriend".

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

thanks aquaman for your story.

all of us, especially some that are young and inexperienced can be snowed (taken in) during a vacation/holiday.

Could happen anywhere...I remember those days...young, unsuspecting 20 something ...

[Eagle Beach Boy]

Thanks for the post.

Other wise I hope things are better. Keep in touch.

[Edronenburg]

Aquaman, thank you for such sound advice. Obviously, the people that know about these things were kind enough to warn you; and through you, us.

It is people such as you, that we do owe many thanks, and makes it pleasant for others who visit "Paradise," aka "One Happy Island."

Hope you continue to be well and happy.

Ed