@themax is new to Steemit and headed to live in Panama later this year.
I just met her today while on expatexchange, and she told me about "the ordeal" as her and her husband call it. They had just left a casino in Panama City on January 31st, 2017, and a taxi had picked them up. The driver had another man in the car but said the other guy was getting out soon.
Once Maxine and her husband were in the car however, the other man pulled out a large hunting knife and robbed them. They were thankfully released unharmed after a short ride. The next day they spent discussing the event with a lawyer and the police. Because of how quickly things happened though, they could not remember very many details.
She learned a valuable tip as a result of the bad experience that she shared with me today.
She suggested people stop for a second before getting into a taxi to take pictures of it. Include the license plate, the taxi number, and the company logo. Then take a picture of the driver and any passengers. Let them know what you're doing too. If it is a legitimate taxi, they will have no problem with it. It only takes a few seconds to do and is a very good personal security tip.
In addition to following her advice, I also recommend people use the smart phone application Cell 411. It allows you to send live video instantly to only a trusted network of friends and family or to the public and anyone near you. When Maxine was being robbed for example, she could have activated an alert to document the incident with video and also summon help.
I am a constant traveler and I have a big sign on my forehead that says "This lady is an easy mark!" Therefore, I almost never take cabs anywhere.
Buses and any other form of public transport are much better for me. On a bus, the passengers will usually unite to try to help me as I bumble along.
I love the photo idea and will most definitely use it next time I try a cab. I rarely have any kind of negative beyond over charging, but this is a wonderful tip. Thank you.
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You are very welcome!
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Came back to upvote and resteem and see your comment. I'm worth 2 cents now! WooHoo!
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Awesome, thanks! 2 cents? Somehow I doubt that very much. haha ::goes to check::
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lol - you got me at 96% - I'm back down to the lowly penny again since I am so free with the voting finger :)
Please don't audit me, bro!
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Ahh, yes. I am low and need to hold off a bit. I always feel bad when I am low and cannot vote!
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I am trying to only vote 8-12 times a day to keep my power up. This is one version of the 87 ways to vote that have been explained to me and I'm sticking to it for now.
I tried voting for the big guy posts between 20-30 minutes and that was a great big fail of -0-. I figure it's better to stay down below 55 with my voting and help where my penny makes a difference!
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Yeah, I know the numbers behind that last strategy, but I do not do that. I simply look for quality posts, authored or replies.
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That is messed up, but I also wouldn't get into a cab that already had someone in it, and if a cab tried picking someone else I would get out. Heard too many crazy stories like this
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Agreed! I would certainly be very suspicious if there was already someone in it.
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well couldn't they then take your phone? I am glad you are safe. Thanks for letting us know these things happen.
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They could yes, but my phone auto backs up pictures I take. Cell 411 is live video that anyone getting the alert sees as it happens. It cannot be lost either and goes to the network as I understand it.
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I would never get into the cab with another person AND when you are using tactics like taking pictures of the incident, make sure that won't get a knife turned on you. People are crazy.
Upvoted
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That's good advice. If you are being robbed, don't make the use of your phone obvious.
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thanks for sharing. even UBER app also have uber poll selection to "share your ride" . look cheaper but may be for long tip to share with other stranger is can be a risk.
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Uber is active in Panama City too!
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