The Fugitive

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!

Acer laptops seem good to me. Using one now, 11 years old, purchased secondhand in South America. It had a U.S.A. keyboard but as some of the keys eventually failed, I had that replaced with a U.K. one. Mrs bought a different model of Acer laptop in Thailand, dating from 2009 which works well too.

I do. For Linux operating systems as recommended.

Yes, going to need a mobile data connection. Those of us who manage by using home/coffee shop/restaurant/friends Wifi connections will have to think again!

Many thanks to the contributors in this thread. Something I wasn't aware of and could be useful in future.

Nothing. VYKE runs ontop of your mobile data or WiFi connection. The caller pays at their U.K. mobile calling rate. For me to call U.K. from anywhere using VYKE it costs 1p per minute. Texts are 4p each.

I can understand your frustration with that!

I have Halifax Bank account and credit card too. I have given both banks my 'VYKE' virtual U.K. mobile number and, so far, receive both voice calls and SMS (OTP's) with no difficulties. Yesterday, because I was calling an 0800 number I used 'SKYPE' to make the outgoing call because it's free.

Makes life more interesting! Anyway, the voice ID verification seems to work because the system asked me to say the passphrase three times before failing me and then progressing me to Customer Services who, of course, asked alternative security questions. They even insisted upon ringing me back on the mobile number which was upon their records.

Yesterday received SMS from Santander that I’m now registered for voice ID. If I hadn’t requested it ‘phone Customer Services. As I hadn’t I rang to query. Lady explained that another customer had mistyped their PIN. They have now removed this customer's voice ID from my account. A little worrying because you have a personal ID number also that I believed would be unique? Fortunately, the ‘phone call was free and resolved quickly and courteously once I’d got through the unavoidable queuing system.

The P.E.A. are amazing. Once in Hua Hin sat at an outside restaurant noticed sparking in the overhead lines. Then streetlights went out. Literally 5 minutes later a waggon and crew turned up and fixed it. Tessaban are a totally different kettle of fish. The mains operated street light outside our house was out for three years. Mrs rang umpteen times. It was only when a new deputy was appointed who happened to be a partner of a family member that our light was repaired.

Good to hear the positive side too!

Super/Hyper markets place TV's and computers on their shelves because that's how they sell things. Whilst not as valuable as they once were, it's a temptation. The solution has to be to employ (more) private security staff. In Paraguay and certainly in Ciudad-del-Este you see uniformed security officers with over the shoulder cartridge belts swinging pump action shotguns with pistols in belt holsters too. They must be an effective deterrent because if you ask the locals nobody can remember when they last shot anyone.

I've given my Vyke virtual U.K. mobile number to everyone. There are only a few organisations with whom you can't do that because they insist upon Thai mobile numbers e.g. Bangkok Bank and shopping websites. I have been receiving calls and SMS with no problems whilst in Thailand and now presently where I am in U.K.

https://www.vyke.com/

Agreed, there are many bank branches compared to U.K. (for example). Only one in my small town however. Last year a large notice was displayed about no longer accepting payment of bills over the counter and to use their mobile APP, website or agencies in future. They do have an outside ATM, CDM and passbook update machine. Now waiting to see if/when they install a VTM. The writing will really be on the wall after that.

If it was your business what would you prefer; an employee going on a bank run or remaining at their post serving your customers?

1. I understand the banks don't like VOIP services because they feel they're less secure than a real mobile telephone number from a service provider. 2. You are referring to your mobile 'phone provider blocking SMS from certain numbers. That is something only they can undo. 'VYKE' offers virtual mobile telephone numbers to rent for; Canada, France, U.K., Poland and U.S.A. That would resolve your issue.

There are dire warnings on the forum about VOIP services being blocked for 2FA (OTP's) after 24 hours use. However, I'm from U.K. and have used 'VYKE' since March with 100% success for High Street Banks, Neo Banks, Cloud Services, Government Departments and Email providers etc. Maybe this could change but for £12 per annum to rent a U.K. virtual mobile telephone number I'm taking my chances and continuing.

Good info thanks. Very frustrating to have to wait all that time but it turned out OK in the end. Feel sorry for the counter staff too in such situations.

Thanks for the warning. Making a mental note on a sheet of paper here; 'Ensure have enough baht available in Bangkok Bank'. Until now, I have always relied upon U.K. credit cards to cover such eventualities.

It's all about choices and customer service. There will always be people who can't/won't handle mobile devices or can't be issued with bank cards. However, in defence, taking cash in food shops has long been considered unhygenic. Plus, the staff have to bank the takings and there are fewer and fewer bank branches around. Another benefit is that you're not going to get short-changed.

Thank you very much. Having very recently been a victim of a suspected software key logger all suggestions are welcome. I noticed that in the U.K. virtual disposable cards are normally debit only. However, you do benefit from the security aspect of course. The other day I booked flights direct with an airline and was disappointed to find out that they accepted credit cards only. I had no option but to enter my new credit card details.