Picture: Sanook

 

Sanook advised people in Thailand to check their bank accounts today if they are linked to online banking, credit and debit cards.

 

They reported that an online group that reports criminal activity indicated there had been 10,000 victims in a single day.

 

Many banks were affected.

 

Each case involved lots of small sums being removed from accounts under the name "goods paid for via EDC".

 

Under 100 baht was extracted multiple times with some people having their accounts completely emptied.

 

It involved those with debit cards linked to internet banking with most victims having registered on shopping platforms and purchasing things like air tickets and hotels online.

 

Well known TV presented Sorayuth Suthassanajinda posted one case saying it was a big deal concerning people with credit and debit card linked accounts. 

 

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interesting.  A person posted about money disappearing and those same amounts just a few days ago.  This is why I minimize online stuff.  I only use Credit card here in the USA as we have pretty strong consumer protection.  I never ever link my primary checking account or debit card.  And I have never ever used that overseas.  It will be interesting to see exactly at what level this breach is occuring, which servers or 3rd party vendors are involved etc

https://aseannow.com/topic/1235197-money-in-bank-vanished/

This made me check all of my Thailand bank accounts.  Luckily, no problems.  But then I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

9 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

This made me check all of my Thailand bank accounts.  Luckily, no problems.  But then I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

How do you do your 'banking', go to the local branch every time you want to do something?

Just now, KannikaP said:

How do you do your 'banking', go to the local branch every time you want to do something?

I just checked my accounts online, so clearly that's not what I'm talking about.  I also transfer money online.  I just don't use my credit/debit cards for online purchases. 

6 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

I just checked my accounts online, so clearly that's not what I'm talking about.  I also transfer money online.  I just don't use my credit/debit cards for online purchases. 

No, you said 'And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.' but you check your accounts and do transfers online????

So not clear what you are talking about.

apparently a problem with users of PayPal

Just now, KannikaP said:

No, you said 'And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.' but you check your accounts and do transfers online????

Christ man, I do my banking on my PC and laptop.  What the heck is your malfunction? 

30 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

This made me check all of my Thailand bank accounts.  Luckily, no problems.  But then I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

I use my phone for nearly everything and have never had any issue. Welcome to the modern, cashless society. 

27 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

 I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

I agree with this - it is only recently I decided to get an ATM card after years of going to the branch to withdraw money in person, it is a debit card but is disabled for anything other than ATM use - too risky IMO and also if you do become a victim they don't make it easy to get your money back, I also get an sms when there is any activity on my account

16 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

No, you said 'And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.' but you check your accounts and do transfers online????

So not clear what you are talking about.

have you heard of a computer, and I agree with him about banking using an app on a phone - it is very risky

2 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

I use my phone for nearly everything and have never had any issue. Welcome to the modern, cashless society. 

If that works for you, great.  I just don't feel that my phone is very secure.  I'll do Line messaging, read the news, check sports score, etc.  But I'd just rather not do my finances on my phone. 

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/central-bank-tba-suspend-credit-debit-cards-following-suspicious-deductions/

 

They reporting been happening for some time (2 October).

3 minutes ago, smedly said:

have you heard of a computer, and I agree with him about banking using an app on a phone - it is very risky

No need to be sarky. Surely online banking on a PC or phone app is 'just as risky' if at all. 

Have you had any problems using a phone app?

9 minutes ago, smedly said:

too risky IMO and also if you do become a victim they don't make it easy to get your money back

It is a relatively easy process, as far as I am aware. How do you think it is hard?

7 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

If that works for you, great.  I just don't feel that my phone is very secure.  I'll do Line messaging, read the news, check sports score, etc.  But I'd just rather not do my finances on my phone. 

I understand that, as I used to feel the same with the computer. However, these days, and the apps I use, are actually very secure. I trade cryptos on my phone but for every transaction, I am required to use a number generated and sent by SMS, one sent by email, and a google authentication generated number. I also need to use my password. Having said that, I would use my computer if It was convenient, but sometimes, like when driving ???? , it isn't. 

45 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

This made me check all of my Thailand bank accounts.  Luckily, no problems.  But then I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

Nor do I. I also don't use my card in physical shops. I have only ever used the card to take money out from the ATMs.

 

24 minutes ago, cyril sneer said:

apparently a problem with users of PayPal

I have never used my Thai debit card for PayPal.

 

Despite the above my card was debited for 71 transactions of 34.15 Baht each.

1 minute ago, Neeranam said:

I understand that, as I used to feel the same with the computer. However, these days, and the apps I use, are actually very secure. I trade cryptos on my phone but for every transaction, I am required to use a number generated and sent by SMS, one sent by email, and a google authentication generated number. I also need to use my password. Having said that, I would use my computer if It was convenient, but sometimes, like when driving ???? , it isn't. 

I'll concede that I'm a novice when it comes to smartphones.  I just never felt the need to do finances on my phone.  On my PC and laptop, I have all manner of security and anti-virus protections.  On my phone, nothing.  That's why I'm a bit cautious. 

1 minute ago, Sophon said:

Nor do I. I also don't use my card in physical shops. I have only ever used the card to take money out from the ATMs.

 

I have never used my Thai debit card for PayPal.

 

Despite the above my card was debited for 71 transactions of 34.15 Baht each.

Oh, you got hit.  Have you ever given out your credit/debit card for any online transactions?

9 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

No need to be sarky. Surely online banking on a PC or phone app is 'just as risky' if at all. 

Have you had any problems using a phone app?

it really depends on how secure you think your phone is or how safe all the apps are that you have installed - nothing is 100% safe and there are some very suspect apps in circulation - up to you really.

2 minutes ago, smedly said:

it really depends on how secure you think your phone is or how safe all the apps are that you have installed - nothing is 100% safe and there are some very suspect apps in circulation - up to you really.

Nationwide, Wise in UK and Bangkok Bank here, with Express VPN on both PC & phone would seem pretty secure.

I don't have to worry about these issues as i have no money to be taken away.. Lucky, lucky me...

One reason I never keep my salary in the bank. For the last 4/5 years, as soon as it hits the bank, it is changed into cryptocurrencies. I then use my crypto.com card/phone app to pay for things.

9 minutes ago, Sophon said:

Despite the above my card was debited for 71 transactions of 34.15 Baht each.

my debit card is disabled for any type of online or in shop transactions - if I wasn't able to do that I wouldn't have the card

57 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

This made me check all of my Thailand bank accounts.  Luckily, no problems.  But then I don't use my credit/debit cards for any online transactions.  And I definitely don't do banking on my phone.

My KBank smart phone app informs me within seconds of any transactions (to or from) on my account. Pay my bills and numerous benefits = I definitely DO my banking on my phone!

3 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Nationwide, Wise in UK and Bangkok Bank here, with Express VPN on both PC & phone would seem pretty secure.

if you are happy then up to you 

 

Nationwide is highly secure - card reader

Wise - is a transfer company so no risk there as it doesn't carry a balance 

Bangkok Bank - ATM only

 

do you trust your VPN company - I see no need to use a VPN for the purpose you describe above

 

But like I said it is entirely up to you as long as you are happy and confident - plenty of reading on the net for this type of thing

6 minutes ago, bdenner said:

My KBank smart phone app informs me within seconds of any transactions (to or from) on my account. Pay my bills and numerous benefits = I definitely DO my banking on my phone!

Is there not a certain limit? I notice smaller CC deductions are not flagged to me, I believe under 1000baht (Bangkok Bank). These sneaky multiple small deductions might well go unnoticed. 

17 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

Oh, you got hit.  Have you ever given out your credit/debit card for any online transactions?

No, as mentioned I have only ever used the card in ATMs. I have never entered the card number online or used it in a shop, nor have I given the physical card to any third-party. The card is always in my wallet and only comes out when I need money from an ATM. I used to have a ATM only card, and only changed it when I was forced to because the old card didn't have a chip and only a four digit PIN code. Since the change I have used the new card exactly as I did the old ATM only card.

 

The only ones who could possibly have my number is the company that made the card and my bank. So either someone inside one of those companies got the information, or someone hacked their systems.

SCB notifies me every time I access my account online by an email, they also send me a confirmation withdrawal email when I transfer funds, so am not fussed, also keep under a million in the bank in case of fraud and I believe that is all the bank will cover if you have had a fraud or they go under.