The Fugitive

Exactly, that is the question. Were they sold (priced) as 'knock-off' which I understand to be OK. Counterfeit goods sold as the genuine item are, of course, illegal.

Even more interesting! It would appear they have ramped up security? Quite rightly too. When I last changed my address with Halifax Bank (June 2022) it was from my Thai address to my U.K. one. When I changed from a Paraguay address to a Thai address would have been back in 2017. Definitely didn't provide any proof at that time. But, of course, I was changing from an abroad address to another abroad address.

Thanks for that. Please let us know if successful. Interestingly, it was my Halifax Clarity Credit Card that got through to Thailand (and Paraguay previously). It was my current account debit cards that they intercepted, sent to my local branch who held them for a while before destroying them. So helpful!

With Halifax I've been able to change my address between U.K. and abroad online. With Santander if you wish to replace a U.K. address with a foreign one they require you to download a change of details form and post it to them. As you say, things can and do change.

Thank you for this. It would appear Agoda are no different to any other agent then? Pleased that you didn't lose out in the end!

Today telephoned Halifax Bank customer services and spoke to 'Nicola'. Was advised that renewed and replacement debit and credit cards can now be sent to Thailand addresses. Don't shoot the messenger if it doesn't work for you as I'm only relating what I was told. Good news providing all their staff 'sing from the same hymn sheet'. Previously they intercepted and destroyed my renewed debit cards but twice my credit cards 'slipped the net'. Should make life a little easier!

Useful warning thanks!

'Consequential loss/fraud' springs to mind. Lazada are understandably trying to distance themselves in this case. They could obviously remove/blacklist 'their' vendor. However, they maintain that they are not responsible for the actions of another vendor (fraudster) not known to themselves.

Most helpful info. Thank you.

The OP is asking about agents and airlines. The general consensus of opinion is that, particularly since Covid, flights should be booked directly with airlines. Agoda is recommended by many for booking hotels. However, you can also book flights through them. Would it not follow that if customers find them good for hotels then they might be good for flights also?

Today I was forced to cancel a hotel booked through Agoda. I received refund in seven hours. I know hotels and flights are different and, in this case, there was no human contact. Nevertheless, I thought that was good service. I've never booked flights through them. Has anyone done so and have any experience good or bad?

Thanks for the tip. I'm near Khon Kaen so the best option for me too.

No longer book with agents myself after my incoming flight on a multi-leg booking was retimed and the remaining transit time became less than the minimum for that particular airport. The agent refused to rebook me on an earlier flight because the new arrival time was only 10 minutes later. Caused me some serious stress!

Yes, name on card is requested. I don't have KBank but very recently I opened a Chase (U.K.) current and savings account. Their Mastercard debit card has my name upon the front but no numbers (apart from telephone numbers). To view your sort code and account number you have to use their mobile APP.

Paying for things over the internet they ask for the CVV number upon the reverse of the card.

Good idea thanks. It does appear to have been my Google Account that could have been cracked (certainly was the information contained within it).

Many thanks. All helpful info much appreciated!

Only just found out that if you go from WiFi to mobile data connection (only) the regular backups stop. Well they did on my iPhone 8 Plus anyway!

On Santander website, only the last four digits of my Zero Credit Card are visible. Also, as it's my backup credit card only, I've never used/stored this card for any online subscriptions.

Thank you. I was getting confused between the five digit PIN I use for web access when using my laptop. I don't know which device was hacked, it could have been my Windows 10 laptop (now running Linux) or my iPhone or Android mobile. All are linked to my Google account where I store my bookmarks and passwords. It would appear that the hackers have taken a 'snapshot' of my bookmarks and passwords? I too keep my Santander account as backup only. They are the only bank I have that permit me to have an address abroad AND will send renewed/replacement cards to Thailand.

Sixteen digit numbers would be the number on the front of my cards. Santander don't believe those have been compromised which is why they don't propose to issue me with replacement cards and are only cancelling and resetting my internet access. I had already given Santander my 'VYKE' virtual U.K. mobile number. This was the number they insisted upon ringing me back on.

I only used my mobile data connection. I use a laptop and IPhone and also an Android 'phone as back-up. I was warned about the possibility of a downloaded key logger being on any. I immediately formatted my laptop hard drive and installed a Linux distro in place of Windows 10. I have done factory resets on both phones. Unfortunately, I continued to receive warnings such as; 'Unusual log in (or attempted log in) from Russia/Romania'. The hackers apparently were working their way through my bookmarks as I received these warnings from websites such as 'FreeVoipDeal' through to 'Spotify'. I believe they were looking for subscription type accounts which would likely have stored credit card details?

Good point. I didn't think of that and neither did either of the two staff I spoke to. The hackers must have worked out my Customer ID (as you know it's your date of birth plus three numerics). How they knew my five digit PIN I don't know. They ask for your password when you call. I mixed up characters five/six when I called so failed that. They asked for my date of birth instead. The hackers already knew that so I reckon that's how they are gaining access to my internet account?

Yesterday received another SMS that I'm now, once again, registered for voice ID. I 'phoned Customer Services to be told that someone had definitely called a few minutes earlier. I suspect it's the Moldovian hackers again. Santander have removed my internet access and are setting me up again by means of two separate letters which should arrive within the next 14 days. They insist it's not necessary to replace my debit and credit cards. I'm not happy that the hackers must know my current account number/sort code and my Investment Hub account number. However, they can only have the last four digits of my credit card number.

Great tip. Thanks very much!