Atm Password Absconded

[WarpSpeed]

Well the title says much of it. I have had 3 new BB ATM cards in 3 months. I had to get another one today as this is the first time since last months replacement that I've attempted use of it. The password has been changed by someone? It has to be internally, someone waiting for the farang to deposit a large sum and abscond with it. But of course the bank is totally defensive and insists that's not the case.

When I got my first card confiscated 3 months ago there was a slight chance it was a forgotten pass as I don't use this account much. But then I had another reissued and the same thing happened a month later for no apparent reason saying my password was incorrect and the bank ignorantly telling the farang that the computer doesn't remember your password and me trying to explain that I'm not talking about the machine and that internally they/someone can obviously access my account and just issue themselves a duplicate card and new password just like they've done for me now 3 times, hoping the deposit is made and removed before anyone noticing it's been removed, especially on a relatively inactive account..

Now today I tried it again and put in what I knew was the correct pass confirmed by Mrs. Warpspeed prior and it said wrong pass so, I put in the only other possible pass to see what would happen and it rejected that one too making my 3rd try the last (the original)so I went into the bank and got the same young teller that issued my new card last month and let her watch this ATM take this card again and sure enough it did.

Then she tried to quote me bank policy about 24 hours to issue a new card as if I didn't need any of the funds I specifically went to the bank to withdraw (typically put the customer through more trials instead of seeking the real problem as if they're the ones inconvenienced ) so this entire debacle screwed over my whole day schedule but more importantly Bangkok Bank has an internal issue they don't wish to deal with so beware.

Initially I thought maybe I had gotten pirated by a card reader but this most recent episode points definitely to an internal issue as it was at the banks ATM and the only one I've used since the new card was issued and the first ATM was at a different location but the 2 subsequent confiscations were at this branch..

[GuestHouse]

Even if you have the slightest suspicion that someone is accessing your account - Close it and move to another bank.

If the problem follows you, stop looking at the banks and starting looking for common factors. (if it's not you, and it happens in more than one bank then it is almost someone with access to your personal details).

Did you notice the bank staff giving any strange looks?

Believe me, they have a prime suspect in mind.

[WarpSpeed]

Changing the account is a bit complicated but it doesn't get used much so whom ever is going to be quite disappointed and I think it's better to keep it and let them keep trying as eventually it's going to help track them down like tracing a phone number.. There's really no association with any other personal details to this point nor associated with this account with no online banking or anything so I'm pretty certain it's a one off..

The bank staff is always giving strange looks as they always reject the notion of it being a Thai thing and more the farang. I really got peeved when the same girl chuckled when I suggested the scam being internal as if that could NEVER happen in Thailand or anywhere else for that matter of course they're all above reproach ...

[IMA_FARANG]

Well, I hate to say it, but most passwords are compromised by those who have the closest access to the ATM card and know the password/pin. Either the person themselves or those who are close to them. You said something that made me wonder...you said the following:

Now today I tried it again and put in what I knew was the correct pass confirmed by Mrs. Warpspeed prior and it said wrong pass so, I put in the only other

That means your wife also has access to your password. I'm not making accusations, but as I said the majority of passwords are compromised by those closest to the ATM card user.

I would look for someone, you or her, writing down the password (for convienence), and that being read by someone else close to the person who wrote it down.

As I say I'm not accusing anyone...but I'd check close to home....someone trusted that has access to your house.

Sorry.

[Ulysses G.]

Well, I hate to say it, but most passwords are compromised by those who have the closest access to the ATM card and know the password/pin. Either the person themselves or those who are close to them.

If someone inside the bank was able to get your pin number, there would be millions of accounts affected instead of just yours. Most likely the problem is on your end.

[Spoonman]

When you get a new card they also issue a new "temporary" password, did you try this one instead ?

[noise]

You never mentioned any money losses and bad guys maybe waiting for a deposit. The account is empty?

But then you said you needed money (and they quoted 24 hrs for new card). Why didn't you just fill out a withdrawal slip?

You did not specifically say you talked with the manager (and I assume all this took place at the branch where you have your account). Whenever I have a problem of any kind and talk with the manager, she will call all over Thailand to get an answer, if necessary.

Maybe with some more details we could offer better suggestions? I, at least, am very detailed oriented and need more info.

[Heng]

I trust most of my family members but no one really needs to know my PIN's.

There's always the tried and tested multiple accounts refill system 'safety stop' where your ATM account only has pocket change (whatever amount you're totally comfortable with losing as if it were indeed just a few coins in your pocket) and your main accounts which feed it by in bank transfers (where you only use your own home branches) or even online transfers that only you can do. If you only trust your overseas banks, then use them to do the refills and don't share that log in info with anyone.

[Berkshire]

I trust most of my family members but no one really needs to know my PIN's.

There's always the tried and tested multiple accounts refill system 'safety stop' where your ATM account only has pocket change (whatever amount you're totally comfortable with losing as if it were indeed just a few coins in your pocket) and your main accounts which feed it by in bank transfers (where you only use your own home branches) or even online transfers that only you can do. If you only trust your overseas banks, then use them to do the refills and don't share that log in info with anyone.

Have to agree with this. No one else on this planet knows my PIN numbers and no one will ever know. As for Bangkok Bank, must say that your story sounds very isolated. I've had an account with BB 10+ years and have never had a problem with my ATM card, cash withdrawls, deposits, transfers, or PIN. Have only had to replace my ATM card once and that was voluntary--the old card was starting to fall apart. Went in and took about 30 minutes with the new card issued on the spot. Sorry to hear about your problems, but you may need to look inside yourself and your personal situation. Doubt if it's the bank's problem as, again, I've had no issues with these guys.

[electau]

If you have an ATM card you are the only one to know the PIN. The bank does not need to know your PIN. You do not give the PIN to anyone else and one should memorise it and if you need to record it for the future it should be written in such a way that it is not connected with a bank account. I should be be kept separate from your card. One card one PIN.

To change a PIN you will need the ATM card. Was the new card initalised by the bank before use? This is a level of extra security.

When you get a new card and PIN you should test it at the bank ATM, ie, do a balance enquiry first.

When entering a PIN shield the keypad with your hand and observe any one close by.

[wintermute]

How did someone steal your password 3 times and not take any money out? Sounds like someone "close" to you is doing it and not the bank. I wouldn't put it past bank employees getting up to hijinks but it's pretty unlikely and when it happens they usually go for the big score. Also, when people plan on ripping off your ATM they don't change the pin they usually wait until you have a substantial amount available before discretely pulling it out.

[Spoonman]

Warpy, the issue is obviously pin related, what pin number you using... your original one or the new one mailed to you from BB ?

2. How can I get my card reissued?

After calling our Cardmember Service Center, you will need to report the loss or theft to the police. Keep a copy of the police report, and wait until you receive a letter from Bangkok Bank confirming that you can pick up your card from the branch you designated. Then please bring your identification card, the police report, and the letter to the branch to pick up your new credit card within 10 working days. A new ATM PIN will be posted to you after you have received the card.

5. I forgot my PIN. Can you find my number? Please visit your nearest Bangkok Bank branch and our staff will take you through the process. Your new PIN will be mailed to you within a week.

[longstebe]

New card means a new pin. The new card will NOT recongise your old pin. Once you have activated your new card with your new pin you have the option to change it.

Sorry if this sounds patronsing.

[krading]

WarpSpeed

When I had to get a replacement card it was issued with a temporary pin that I was told to change straight away, even escorted to the ATM by a staff member.

Could your problem be because you tried to use the issued pin which may have expired by the time you went to use the card?

Just guessing.

[longball53098]

Transam hit the question I want to know. Does BB use the small keypad for entering the pin number for a new issue card? I bank at SCB and when I get a new card that's the last part of the process of activating the card. You must choose and enter the pin on the small keypad attached to the PC on the desk of the bank rep. It requires two entries, once and then a second time to verify it before the system records it. The bank personnel never see the number you enter and the banks computers do not show the actual number anywhere these numbers are all highly encrypted by the software controlling this.

One poster mentioned if this was a internal bank problem it would be happening to many accounts and I tend to agree with this and they would hit the bank for a lot and run quick because the chances of being caught are pretty high as this can't be covered up too long. Too many checks and balances, literally and figuratively. You say this has happened now 3 times?

I think the problem is on you're end somewhere but I don't see enough info to make an educated guess

[tombkk]

Transam hit the question I want to know. Does BB use the small keypad for entering the pin number for a new issue card? I bank at SCB and when I get a new card that's the last part of the process of activating the card. You must choose and enter the pin on the small keypad attached to the PC on the desk of the bank rep. It requires two entries, once and then a second time to verify it before the system records it. The bank personnel never see the number you enter and the banks computers do not show the actual number anywhere these numbers are all highly encrypted by the software controlling this.

One poster mentioned if this was a internal bank problem it would be happening to many accounts and I tend to agree with this and they would hit the bank for a lot and run quick because the chances of being caught are pretty high as this can't be covered up too long. Too many checks and balances, literally and figuratively. You say this has happened now 3 times?

I think the problem is on you're end somewhere but I don't see enough info to make an educated guess

Just for the record: Yes, BBL has the system as SCB, you key in the PIN number into that little thingy while the employee looks away. You are advised to change it right away on the ATM outside, which I have done some times but not always.

I have been with BBL for 20 years, changed ATM cards when they started to get old, and never had the problem the OP is reporting. I also bank with SCB and TFB, same thing.

Nobody knows my PINs though, not even my SO.

[jfchandler]

I can't comment on the source of the problem... could be a family member, could be an internal staff issue at Bangkok Bank. There certainly have been reports of bank employees at different banks pilfering accounts...

However, to the OP, there's a separate thread here on TV with the title "Bangkok Bank" and one of the posters in there is a TV member by the name of IanGuyGil or something similar, who works for BBK Bank. If you PM him, he regularly offers to be of assistance to TV members who are having various problems with BKK Bank.

[kyb789]

I have 2 accounts. One has all the large savings and no ATM card to access it. I automaticaly transfer a small amount every month into another account that has the ATM card. If there is ever a security compromise, it will be easy to track. If anyone gets access to my pin number and ATM card, I don't have to worry about loosing my life savings.

[jfchandler]

Kyb, yes, you're protected from ATM card and PIN theft/compromise...

But if some staff member at your bank decided to electronically pilfer your account, you're still screwed....

If you read back on past cases of bank employee criminal theft here in LOS, good luck dealing with the bank in trying to recover the funds...especially as a farang...

[moe666]

When I finally got a atm card there was a problem setting up the pin with the credit union. I thought it was in place all had worked fine at the credit union but when I went to use it atm refused service. Of course required a trip to credit union to work it all out which was done and has been working every since. never fully onderstood what happened but some code wasn't entered correctly that caused the problem.