Cc Was Cloned. Caveat Emptor.

[Serendipitist]

And the winner is....jonniebkk. People know credit card fraud is rampant here. It's

insane to pull out your card for every little purchase you make but people still do.

I am always amazed when I see people continue to use their CCs for grocery shopping at Foodland, Carrefore, etc. or for restaurant meals...both Thais and farangs. The only exception (and even then I keep my fingers crossed) is when I am purchasing expensive appliances or electronics (maybe around 20k on up) from reputable retailers...and even then, I check my account online carefully for a few weeks after the transaction to make sure no unauthorized charges appear (number has been stolen).

Another benefit too is that when you start to pay cash for everything, you think about your spending more carefully and usually end up spending less money

@ Jonniebkk: I too mostly agree with your worthwhile criticism (which I must agree stood head and shoulders above the others'). However, in my defence, I have bought many times before from the above, and despite my being a natural sceptic, I definitely expected no surprises of that nature there. (I also have found the other staff there on every other occasion to be friendly and helpful - to me, rather than themselves, that is!); and, on a moot point, you have presumed that it was for a some small trifling purchase, when, in reality, it need not necessarily have been! But I do agree, it's best just to use a card to pay for that which you've already stated. The risks for small purchases are indeed too high.

The irony in taking your criticism is that I have previously been an advocate too for bringing & using cash (exchanging it in Bkk's best - S.R.) over plastic.

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@ Jsixpack: Thank you so much for saying so. That even one person (you!) confessed to finding my post useful, means something to me.

I must also confess that although I joined TV, in 2004, I have been far from a prolific poster for precisely the very reason you've suggested. I naturally write in a very formal and assertive style; which regrettably tends to attract more than my fair share of nitpickers, naysayers and occasional nitwits. In real life I keep quiet, polite, ruminative, respectful of others and out of trouble as much as possible. But no one would guess as much from the way I write! LOL.

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Lastly, I gladly accept criticism as long as it is well though out, useful & definitely not half baked, or ill researched! And to repeat, I feel that the criticism which was justified and appropriate was that of jonniebkk. If people must use their cards for purchases - always be vigilant and if you suspect something's up - go with your gut feeling. Hmmm... even if it's in a reputable establishment that your suspicions are aroused, you might even try asking if they'd mind your taking a photo of them holding the cc devices "for your added security". If the employee(s) suddenly becomes camera shy etc., you should definitely follow your suspicions further...

As an aside, watch out for cashiers in certain hotels, international hospitals etc. automatically converting your cc purchase to your currency - as opposed to thb, before asking you to sign; as it'll almost always be at an unfavourable rate to that which you'd pay were it converted as thb by your card's issuer, or withdrawn equivalent cash from the atm. If you must use your cc, always ask to pay in thb.

[Ijustwannateach]

I've heard from numerous foreigners who went shopping in tourist-frequented locals using foreign-issued credit cards who have had problems. On the other hand, I've used debit/credit cards issued locally for some time living in Thailand and had no problems. I have the feeling that if the scammers think you are a tourist and that you won't be sticking around to prosecute, your chance of having a problem is much higher. Local Tescos and so forth are very little risk to the locals.

"S"

[onethailand]

As an aside, watch out for cashiers in certain hotels, international hospitals etc. automatically converting your cc purchase to your currency - as opposed to thb, before asking you to sign; as it'll almost always be at an unfavourable rate to that which you'd pay were it converted as thb by your card's issuer, or withdrawn equivalent cash from the atm. If you must use your cc, always ask to pay in thb.

Totally agree here. This used to happen at the Emporium as well until they figured out I (and probably quite a few others) were not idiots and would make them issue new receipts in THB.

However, some banks also charge up to 3% foreign currency fees which occasionally end up being worse than if you had done the transaction in your home currency. So you need to watch which credit card you use as well.