Phuket

Paddy · #1 24-08-2004, 14:26

I've just had a call from my bank to say they think that someone has copied my credit card and has tried to use it in the last day or so in LOS. Fortunately, they sussed it and blocked the transaction. They've also cancelled my card and are sending a new one. They were saying it's happening an awful lot in LOS just now.

Whoever's tried to use the fake has been quite sneaky because it's nearly 2 months since I was last there, so they've obviously waited for a while, thinking that would give them more chance of getting away with it.

I have to say I'm well impressed with the bank (Citibank) for being so on the ball. When I was in LOS and I used the card to pay a hotel bill - the first time I'd used it on that tour - they called me about three hours afterwards to check that it was kosher. They do the same thing whenever I use it for the first time abroad, and they ask me how long I think I'm going to be away, so they can keep an eye on the transactions. They also call me to check when I use it to buy something big like an air ticket.

Nicke · #2 24-08-2004, 16:11

South East Asia is known for a high rate of credit card fraud, I never had any problems myself thought except for online payments. They track my IP to Thailand and thus, I am refused to make payment sometimes. (I use Swedish cards)

tintin · #3 24-08-2004, 16:18

Yep, very carefull with creditcards!

Like I said before, don't ever leave your creditcard anywhere, and certainly not in the hotelsafe!

The personel knows that you are out, take your card, goes shopping and then...puts it back!!!

No complaint made and your money is gone!!!!

butterflyblonde · #4 24-08-2004, 18:49

I never use my CC for buying anything in shops or hotels/flights etc..

I think its best just to use it for the ATM's only , however even that can be unsafe if somebody has rigged the machine with some kind of device.

Be careful out there guys

kasperb · #5 24-08-2004, 19:22

I agree with you Butterfly, just pay everything with cash and withdraw your money at a safe ATM machine.

Why use your CC when it's not necessary and it's easy to pay everything in cash in LOS. I always leave my CC at home, when your drunk and lose your wallet... That sucks!

Coolhand · #6 24-08-2004, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterflyblonde

, however even that can be unsafe if somebody has rigged the machine with some kind of device.

Be careful out there guys

A trick for this one - when you put your card in atm, press cancel button and your card should be returned.
If machine is rigged, your card will not be returned, so do not enter your pin number.
this is advise from Met Police

IRISH JONNY · #7 24-08-2004, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhand

A trick for this one - when you put your card in atm, press cancel button and your card should be returned.
If machine is rigged, your card will not be returned, so do not enter your pin number.
this is advise from Met Police

YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY...
CHEERS COOLHAND.............
I ALWAYS BRING MY CC.,.........
I USUALLY PAY FOR THE ACCOMODATION...
I HAVE OFTEN USED IT IN OCEAN PLAZA AND HAVE YET TO ENCOUNTER A PROBLEM.........
JUST A QUICK QUESTION FOR YE SEASONED BMs.......
HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
WHILE I WAS IN OCEAN DURING JULY I WAS BUYING 5 PAIRS OF SHOES ........
THE TOTAL CAME TO 8000 BAHT.....I ASKED FOR DISCOUNT AND THE ATTENDENT SAID VISA OR CASH..........I ASKED IN RETURN WHATS THE DIFFERENCE? HE SAID IF I PAY CASH I CAN HAVE THE SHOES FOR 5000 BAHT BUT NO RECEIT !!!!! I SAID I WOULD PAY THE 5000 IF HE CARRIED THEM OUT OF THE STORE BUT HE SAID HE COULD NOT LEAVE HIS STORE?
WAS HE TRYING TO SET ME UP OR WHAT.......I BELIVE I COULD HAVE WALKED OUT NO PROBS......COZ IVE NEVER BEEN STOPPED BEFORE........BUT IN THE END I SETTLED FOR THE 8000 BAHT........... I THOUGHT IT WAS A BIT IFFY.
JONNY

andy50 · #8 25-08-2004, 01:20

you wrere on the ball there i/johnny ,paying the 8000 was the wisest move in that situation !

butterflyblonde · #9 25-08-2004, 01:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolhand

A trick for this one - when you put your card in atm, press cancel button and your card should be returned.
If machine is rigged, your card will not be returned, so do not enter your pin number.
this is advise from Met Police

Cheers for that Coolhand.

I will be doing just that come november

Coolhand · #10 25-08-2004, 04:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterflyblonde

Cheers for that Coolhand.

I will be doing just that come november

Hey its not just for Thailand, you'd be surprised how many machines get targetted in the UK. And its not just the city centres, they target machines all over the place, railway stations are quite a favourite at the moment!

Paddy · #11 25-08-2004, 12:18

Jonny:

Lads I know who used to work in clothes shops used to pull that one. If you'd given him the cash he'd have stuck it in his pocket. You were smart to ask him to walk the shoes out for you.

JayBee · #12 25-08-2004, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY...
CHEERS COOLHAND.............
I ALWAYS BRING MY CC.,.........
I USUALLY PAY FOR THE ACCOMODATION...
I HAVE OFTEN USED IT IN OCEAN PLAZA AND HAVE YET TO ENCOUNTER A PROBLEM.........
JUST A QUICK QUESTION FOR YE SEASONED BMs.......
HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU?
WHILE I WAS IN OCEAN DURING JULY I WAS BUYING 5 PAIRS OF SHOES ........
THE TOTAL CAME TO 8000 BAHT.....I ASKED FOR DISCOUNT AND THE ATTENDENT SAID VISA OR CASH..........I ASKED IN RETURN WHATS THE DIFFERENCE? HE SAID IF I PAY CASH I CAN HAVE THE SHOES FOR 5000 BAHT BUT NO RECEIT !!!!! I SAID I WOULD PAY THE 5000 IF HE CARRIED THEM OUT OF THE STORE BUT HE SAID HE COULD NOT LEAVE HIS STORE?
WAS HE TRYING TO SET ME UP OR WHAT.......I BELIVE I COULD HAVE WALKED OUT NO PROBS......COZ IVE NEVER BEEN STOPPED BEFORE........BUT IN THE END I SETTLED FOR THE 8000 BAHT........... I THOUGHT IT WAS A BIT IFFY.
JONNY

HEY JONNY!

What the hell were you gonna do w/ 5 pairs of shoes in LOS???????

IRISH JONNY · #13 25-08-2004, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayBee

HEY JONNY!

What the hell were you gonna do w/ 5 pairs of shoes in LOS???????

HI JAYBEE...MY FRIENDS SAW ME WEARING A STYLE OF SHOE THAT CAN ONLY BE GOT IN LOS.....SO I TOOK THERE SHOE SIZES AND BOUGHT THEM ALL A PAIR EACH..........A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES IN IRELAND USUALLY SELL FOR 120 EURO............
BOUGHT THEM FOR 8000 BAHT[ 160 EURO ] AND SOLD EACH PAIR FOR 70 EURO..........THEY WERE HAPPY....I WAS HAPPY........ NEARLY 200 EURO PROFIT !!!!! WHICH EQIATES TO NEARLY 3 FREE DAYS IN LOS!!!!!!
JONNY

river · #14 25-08-2004, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

HI JAYBEE...MY FRIENDS SAW ME WEARING A STYLE OF SHOE THAT CAN ONLY BE GOT IN LOS.....SO I TOOK THERE SHOE SIZES AND BOUGHT THEM ALL A PAIR EACH..........A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES IN IRELAND USUALLY SELL FOR 120 EURO............
BOUGHT THEM FOR 8000 BAHT[ 160 EURO ] AND SOLD EACH PAIR FOR 70 EURO..........THEY WERE HAPPY....I WAS HAPPY........ NEARLY 200 EURO PROFIT !!!!! WHICH EQIATES TO NEARLY 3 FREE DAYS IN LOS!!!!!!
JONNY

Good work IJ why don't you bring in a 40ft container of them if they are so popular.

IRISH JONNY · #15 25-08-2004, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by river

Good work IJ why don't you bring in a 40ft container of them if they are so popular.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.AN IDEA........BUT IM A SMALL TIME SMUGGLER.....MAYBE 20 FOOTBALL SHIRTS.........20 POLO SHIRTS AND 5OR 6 PAIRS OF SHOES MAKES AROUND 600 EURO PROFIT..........IM HAPPY WITH THAT.........
JONNY

river · #16 25-08-2004, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.AN IDEA........BUT IM A SMALL TIME SMUGGLER.....MAYBE 20 FOOTBALL SHIRTS.........20 POLO SHIRTS AND 5OR 6 PAIRS OF SHOES MAKES AROUND 600 EURO PROFIT..........IM HAPPY WITH THAT.........
JONNY

Hey Jonny I don't know what your import tarrifs are in Ireland or if you need an import licence but it's worth checking out this is the best way to make a quick buck if you have a marketable product.

Bulk buy from the Thai's and then wholesale it to a large retail chain you will of course need some sort of commitment from your buyer and enough cash to buy the product in LOS and pay for Frieght, Insurance and Shipping.

Then all your trips to LOS will be tax deductable as you are over on business, just looking at the angles, worth a look maybe.

Cali · #17 26-08-2004, 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by IRISH JONNY

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.AN IDEA........BUT IM A SMALL TIME SMUGGLER.....MAYBE 20 FOOTBALL SHIRTS.........20 POLO SHIRTS AND 5OR 6 PAIRS OF SHOES MAKES AROUND 600 EURO PROFIT..........IM HAPPY WITH THAT.........
JONNY

hey jonny,

what do the football shirts go for? what is the price i should expect?

IRISH JONNY · #18 26-08-2004, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali

hey jonny,

what do the football shirts go for? what is the price i should expect?

HI GEIR......
I USUALLY WILL BY 20 OF OF THE SAME GUY.......WHEN YOU COME OUT OF SOI ERIC TURN RIGHT AND HE IS THE ONLY FOOTBALL SHIRT SHOP ON BANGLA.HE IS ABOUT 40 METERS FROM SOI ERIC.
THE PRICE....1 SHIRT USALLY 450 BAHT..[9 EURO]
WHEN I BUY IN BULK IT IS AROUND 350 TO 400 DEPENDING IN THE MOOD THE OWNER IS IN.....
I CAN SELL THESE SHIRTS FOR 20 TO 30 EURO.DEPENDING ON THE MOOD IM IN..........
JONNY

Sleesy · #19 12-10-2004, 19:38

Slightly old thread but maybe help a new reader....

I use my UK First Direct Credit Card for Internet or Travel only.
Hadn't used the card in a month, flew to Bangkok for a couple of nights, checked into an Executive Suite @ Intercontinental, was given a dodgy cocktail whilst the young lady went away and "swiped" my Visa....

Got a call from UK today, (well spotted First Direct), I'd just bought a 300pound camera in Japan, swiping the card as well.... whilst my Visa card was sitting in my safe at home! Oh and I've NEVER been to Japan.

Not saying its the Intercontinetal for sure but a tad suspicious ....

IRISH JONNY · #20 12-10-2004, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleesy

Slightly old thread but maybe help a new reader....

I use my UK First Direct Credit Card for Internet or Travel only.
Hadn't used the card in a month, flew to Bangkok for a couple of nights, checked into an Executive Suite @ Intercontinental, was given a dodgy cocktail whilst the young lady went away and "swiped" my Visa....

Got a call from UK today, (well spotted First Direct), I'd just bought a 300pound camera in Japan, swiping the card as well.... whilst my Visa card was sitting in my safe at home! Oh and I've NEVER been to Japan.

Not saying its the Intercontinetal for sure but a tad suspicious ....

DODGY SHIT ..........THEY CAN FORGE MOST THING THESE DAYS.......
I PRESUME YOU WILL BE REFUNDED?
JONNY

marc26 · #21 12-10-2004, 20:01

my first trip in march i used my ATM plenty. i got home on a saturday. monday in work my bank called me and someone got hold of my ATM# and withdrew 10,000USD in 2 days, way over my withdrawal limit. it was from a country called talinn in eastern europe. my bank gave me the funds back within a week but i had to file a police report and i am sure it was from thailand that it got copied. i would just tell everyone if you are in LOS for some lenght of time, keep checking your balance. i am going for 3mos-1 year soon and what i plan on doing is keeping maybe only 3000USD in my ATM account and then transfer what i need into that from an account that cant be accessed from the ATM

Josssie · #22 12-10-2004, 20:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

my first trip in march i used my ATM plenty. i got home on a saturday. monday in work my bank called me and someone got hold of my ATM# and withdrew 10,000USD in 2 days, way over my withdrawal limit. it was from a country called talinn in eastern europe. my bank gave me the funds back within a week but i had to file a police report and i am sure it was from thailand that it got copied. i would just tell everyone if you are in LOS for some lenght of time, keep checking your balance. i am going for 3mos-1 year soon and what i plan on doing is keeping maybe only 3000USD in my ATM account and then transfer what i need into that from an account that cant be accessed from the ATM

Same same me..... I always keep about 1500 euro in my ATM account. Then i take my digipass for my other internet-accounts with me and tranfer the money via the internet in my hotel to my ATM account when i need it.....

Just to be on the save side...

tombombadill · #23 13-10-2004, 20:28

Hi everybody.. isn't the hotel safe a safe place to keep my visa card? im staying at the patong comfort resort hotel.anyone have any experience with that?. is it more safe to keep it in my wallet and carry it with me all the time.. or can i trie to hide it somwere in my room? What about travler's check and tickets is that safe to keep at the hotellsafe??

tintin · #24 13-10-2004, 20:34

Well honestely? Keep it on you! In Chiang Mai there were stories about people going for a trip, the hotelstaff took it out of the safe, bought nice stuff with it, taking a plane to Bangkok, and then...put it back, before the owner arrived!

No charges, so YOU are responsible yourself!

Never, ever, give somebody your card, and not seeing what is done with it!