New burner from Australia via Latin America

[deeve007]

Hey Burners!

Well got my ticket just last week so am definitely going this year after years of watching/reading about BM. I'm an Aussie but have been traveling/living/working (online) in South America for the past 2 years, and am currently heading up through Central America to hit the US for early August.

I'm wondering what the best method is for meeting someone/group to join with for BM? Would love to meet up with a group doing some sort of theme I can be a part of, so any advice please send it my way!

Cheers,
Dave

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[deeve007]

Thanks! And of course, once I looked around I worked out where to get camp info.

[Savannah]

Haha!

Welcome, Dave.

[bluesbob]

The best way is to go out on the open playa with a big sign reading, "Newbie...please help!"

[deeve007]

Ha ha, I like that!

[TT120]

The best way is to go out on the open playa with a big sign reading, "Newbie...please help!"

That would probably work pretty well.....

[deeve007]

How about: "Newbie... please adopt me!"

[deeve007]

...and that might be me fucked for BM2013... just found that my bank account/debit card has been compromised, $10,000 withdrawn over a week or so... should get it back eventually I hope, but maybe not in time for BM realistically... fuck, fuck, fuck!!

Anyone know if banks treat Visa debit card fraud the same as standard credit cards, or are they more of an ass with replacing funds?

[theCryptofishist]

Fuck, fuck, fuck, that's awful. (I'm dealing with identity theft, so I have an inkling...)
The one time I had an issue with a debit card, funds were promptly replaced. However, I don't think that reached a hundred dollars, much less thousands. What I've heard is that banks are more responsive to credit card debt. Do file a police report. For that much money, I expect they will be pills about it...

[Savannah]

That sucks, Dave! Alas, I lack experience with debit cards and what they do in these situations. I suspect Fishy is correct about filing a police report and documenting things as much as you can.

Good luck to you!

[deeve007]

Makes sense, but not sure where to file the police report? From dates, fraud began while I was in Costa Rica, I am now in Nicaragua. And that's where it began, God knows when the details were garnered or how.

[theCryptofishist]

Maybe you could start with the closest embassy or consulate.

[deeve007]

Maybe you could start with the closest embassy or consulate.

Mexico. I'm in Nicaragua.

[FIGJAM]

It may depend on the bank, but I had a similar problem when someone hit my account for $2800.

The bank made it good in 2 weeks!

[deeve007]

I hope so, but at the moment having to dance around to get immediate funds to cover immediate costs. PayPal delays in transferring to another PayPal account and then withdrawing to a bank account are horrendous!! I'm sure they earn a pretty penny in extra interest just for the days delays they place on doing this.

[Kelz]

Hey Dave

First timer from Aus here as well, just got my tickets through STEP a couple of weeks ago... pretty excited but still trying to figure it all out!

I had money taken through internet banking fraud a couple of years back while I was in Greece, its was just over $3,000 ANZ transferred the funds back as soon as I had a stat dec filled out and to them. Hope you have yours returned! The only time I have heard of it not being returned is if you have a credit card that is in credit over your limit so fingers crossed for you!

I'm in Canada on my way to spend 1.5 years in Central and South America so would be awesome to meet up with you if you make it to the BM this year!!

I'm sure it will happen for you