6 Foreigners Arrested For Using Forged A T M Cards In Bangkok A T Ms

[webfact]

6 arrested for using forged ATM cards to withdraw cash from Bangkok ATMs

File photo

BANGKOK, 4 April 2013 (NNT) – 6 men from Malaysia and Sri Lanka have been arrested for using forged ATM cards to withdraw cash from ATM machines in Bangkok.

2 of the men were caught withdrawing cash from an ATM machine in Inthra Square shopping mall in Pratunam district, Bangkok. Officials found 10 fake ATM cards on them.

After their interrogation, police searched two rooms at Paradise House hotel in Pratunam, and found evidence of the ATM card fraud. The remaining gang members were also apprehended during the police search. In all, 162 fake ATM cards were found.

All 6 of the men asserted they purchased the fake ATM cards from Malaysia, then had an Indian man by the name of Asok input the data hacked from foreign banks into the cards.

They have been withdrawing 360,000 baht daily from ATMs around Pratunam and Sukhumwit. The men alleged they only received 10% of the amount, and the rest went to Asok who is still on the run.

4 of the arrested were Malaysians aged between 19 and 32 years, and the 2 arrested Sri Lankans were 43 and 34 years of age. The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally, were also found to have been former members of the Tamil Tigers rebels in Sri Lanka.

The officials moved onto the gang after having been told by Siam Commercial Bank that data of foreign banks in Germany, the UK and Canada had been compromised and that the set of data was being exploited to withdraw cash in Thailand.

-- NNT 2013-04-04

[pattayadingo]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

[KED]

Why cannot banks discover how they are getting the ATM information and then update their procedures to prevent this. I am not as worried about this in the U.S. where there are consumer protections, but here in Thailand, the account holder is not as protected.

[Pimay1]

The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally,

It would be nice to know how they entered illegally Mr. NNT.

[Fgis]

Why cannot banks discover how they are getting the ATM information and then update their procedures to prevent this. I am not as worried about this in the U.S. where there are consumer protections, but here in Thailand, the account holder is not as protected.

Banks and any official organization will never be as good as hackers, so our credit cards information will always be easy to get.

I wonder if there is ANY protection in Thailand ? I never heard about it !

What happens if money is withdrawn from your account with a fake card here ?

[Fgis]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

[webfact]

ATM counterfeiting racket cracked, six foreign suspects nabbed
By English News

BANGKOK, April 4 – Six foreigners were arrested on charges of theft after having withdrawn at least Bt10 million cash with counterfeit ATM cards, according to Thai Crime Suppression police.

Pol Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, Crime Suppression commander, said the suspects, aged 19 to 43, were from Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

The first suspect, identified as S. Sasilan, was apprehended while withdrawing cash from an ATM machine in Pratunam, one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping areas. He had 10 fake ATM cards in his possession.

Police led him to an apartment where five others were nabbed. The suspects said they bought blank electronics cards from Malaysia after which they contacted an Indian dealer, identified only as Asok, to insert data, pins and codes into the cards.

Each of them was given six counterfeit ATM cards. Cash at a maximum of Bt60,000 was withdrawn using each card.

They were given 10 per cent of the withdrawal amount and the rest given to Mr Asok.

Gen Pisit said the group has been doing it for about a month and withdrew at least Bt10 million in total from various commercial banks.

He said two Sri Lankan suspects were former Tamil Eelam militants and police were investigating if they are still active in terrorism in the South Asian country.

The suspects were given preliminary charges of illegally retrieving computer system data, possessing and using counterfeit ATM cards and illegal entry.

The Thai authorities continue searching for a Mr Asok, the mastermind of the racket. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-04-04

[JeremyBowskill]

ATM really does stand for Another Thailand Mistake for these scumbags! How do you like yer cockroaches served boys? sashimi, or lightly fricassee'd over Somchi's lighter?

[Asiantravel]

“ The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally, were also found to have been former members of the Tamil Tigers rebels in Sri Lanka.”

And after they served their time in Thailand they will be up for even more rough treatment when they go home

[Suradit69]

Oh sure, the Thai Police can catch some international ATM card fraudsters who steal hundreds of thousands of baht, but what about the serious crime like ... oh wait, that is fairly serious and it did involve decent investigative work.

The usually unrelenting Thai police bashers must have had a late night yesterday.

Edited April 4, 2013 by Suradit69

[lostinisaan]

4 of the arrested were Malaysians aged between 19 and 32 years, and the 2 arrested Sri Lankans were 43 and 34 years of age. The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally, were also found to have been former members of the Tamil Tigers rebels in Sri Lanka.

Did they swim all the way to Thailand? There's no such a thing like a former member. Still member would be a better description.

Go to Nana and watch what cops are doing there. Waiting for foreigners who drop a cigarette, then it's time to pay, while many shops sell child porn at many shops.

Edited April 4, 2013 by lostinisaan

[impulse]

So these guys steal a little petty cash from the banks and they'll be eating cockroaches for decades.

Meanwhile, the same banks are creating and pushing fraudulent derivative products designed to lose (steal from) their customers many billions (trillions really) of dollars and they're out there still doing it- and living it up.

I'm not a proponent of any kind of theft, but I wish there were some kind of justice in all this.

Edited April 4, 2013 by impulse

[chainarong]

Malaysia has a history of this type of crime, they were big in Oz a few years back ,till the Feds cleaned it up, they had another go just recently in Q/land, and W.A, skimming, life is hard enough without these pricks gate crashing the party.

[Nobelcat]

Wow. Though somewhat surprising it took a month to track things down since I assume it's the bank that called the police to the ATM.

[drdoom6996]

Why cannot banks discover how they are getting the ATM information and then update their procedures to prevent this. I am not as worried about this in the U.S. where there are consumer protections, but here in Thailand, the account holder is not as protected.

Read the Article. The account information came from the UK, Germany and Canada. An Indian who hack the info and put it into ATM cards is still on the loose. I have had the same account with the same bank here in Thailand for over 25 years. I have never had a problem. A friend of mine has and the bank took about 30 days to get him his money back. Read the Article.

[Colabamumbai]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

Foreign Exchange I would think.

[Monkeyrobot]

For all you TV members when you use a ATM check where you insert your card, that is where the skimmer is and a small hole which has the camera to see your pin number. Always cover you hand when pressing your pin, they need both pin and magnetic strip info to hack your account. If you think there is a problem dont use that ATM, its also good to change your pin number after you return to your home counrty. If you have a Thai ATM card you can change your pin at your branch ATM.

[Suradit69]

4 of the arrested were Malaysians aged between 19 and 32 years, and the 2 arrested Sri Lankans were 43 and 34 years of age. The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally, were also found to have been former members of the Tamil Tigers rebels in Sri Lanka.

Did they swim all the way to Thailand? There's no such a thing like a former member. Still member would be a better description.

Go to Nana and watch what cops are doing there. Waiting for foreigners who drop a cigarette, then it's time to pay, while many shops sell child porn at many shops.

Oh sure, the Thai Police can catch some international ATM card fraudsters who steal hundreds of thousands of baht, but what about the serious crime like ... oh wait, that is fairly serious and it did involve decent investigative work.

The usually unrelenting Thai police bashers must have had a late night yesterday.

"Go to Nana and watch what cops are doing there. Waiting for foreigners who drop a cigarette, then it's time to pay, while many shops sell child porn at many shops. "

There we go. I was a little premature, but I knew we could get some Thai bashing going if we were patient.

[happysanook]

Oh sure, the Thai Police can catch some international ATM card fraudsters who steal hundreds of thousands of baht, but what about the serious crime like ... oh wait, that is fairly serious and it did involve decent investigative work.

The usually unrelenting Thai police bashers must have had a late night yesterday.

When it comes to money. They are on top of their game, that's for sure.

Edited April 4, 2013 by happysanook

[transam]

If the BiB keep this up they will need a prison the size of the UK.

[Fozfromoz]

Obviously they couldn't find a file photo with a Malaysian or Sri Lankan using an ATM.

Foreigner= white skin.

[Guest]

In the USA, I used to work in the Rick Fraud department of a large card processor as an investigator. So for what it is worth, here is my opinion:

The steps involved in losing your card information and then eventual theft are:

(1) The thief needs to gain physical possession of the card for a moment, and swipe it in a hand held device that captures all the information on the magnetic strip.

(2) The thief needs the pin number, a relatively easy task. Ex: Waiter takes card, swipes in capture device, informs client the credit card machine is not working, points them to an ATM, observes (often with camera from above, or "innocent bystander" close by), the keying in of Pin.

(3) Information transferred to new magnetic strip, complete with the correct Pin in hand.

(4) Steal money.

Yes, we all need to hand over our cards, and they vanish from sight, until they waiter returns it. Guests in hotels will often use the card at the lobby ATM, and then sometime later (Checkout, dinner, etc--- ) the magnetic strip is copied. That lobby ATM often has a "Security Camera" right above it. Hmmmmm...

Please do not think it is just you "date" or street market who does this, since 5 Star hotels attract the most wealthy, those card are highly sought after. Thieves do not care if they work at a strip club, or the Ritz...they want the money...Period.

For people who simply use their index finger, and methodically punch the numbers, it is child's play to steal a Pin. You may feel silly, but every effort should be made to mask, cover and confuse during the Pin process. Call me crazy, but i go to great lengths to ensure it is nearly impossible to figure my Pin the way I move my hands and fingers in the process. Crazy... perhaps...but never had any issues with cards. If there is a potential of overhead observation (which is pretty much everywhere...), I hold my free hand over the hand punching the keys.

The take away is this...when entering your Pin, regardless of location, presume someone is trying to get that Pin code ..every single time...and you will go far to protect your money.

[pattayadingo]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

A currency exchange booth.

Basically....

You take your credit / ATM card with you and a passport to get local currency. They put your card in a reader, you put in the pin number.

They photocopy your passport and card.

You fill in and sign a receipt and if all is correct, then get your money.

No fuss and no hassle.

I always feel it is much safer than using an ATM. You can see what the FX (exchange rate) is when you are at the booth.

Yes, banks do the same but and FX booth does not make a charge.

[Guest]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

A currency exchange booth.

Basically....

You take your credit / ATM card with you and a passport to get local currency. They put your card in a reader, you put in the pin number.

They photocopy your passport and card.

You fill in and sign a receipt and if all is correct, then get your money.

No fuss and no hassle.

I always feel it is much safer than using an ATM. You can see what the FX (exchange rate) is when you are at the booth.

Yes, banks do the same but and FX booth does not make a charge.

So, you feel more secure with an unregulated / licensed money changer having every single piece of information, all in one place at the same time? Your card information, in a magnetic reader, into which you enter your Pin Code, your complete Passport Photocopied (For possible resale on the street in the form of a forged Passport) and last but not least...your actual signature!

So, what else do they need to "become you" ... a blood sample?

[TRicher]

This is another reminder to be diligent with your cards. When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is standing next to you. Also place your hand over the pin pad. Go to well lit areas where it is harder for these thieves to hide themselves. If your going out drinking take enough money with you so not to be attempting to use another ATM when intoxicated. As we know intoxication and ATM machines do not mix.

[MobileContent]

4 of the arrested were Malaysians aged between 19 and 32 years, and the 2 arrested Sri Lankans were 43 and 34 years of age. The Sri Lankans, who entered Thailand illegally, were also found to have been former members of the Tamil Tigers rebels in Sri Lanka.

Did they swim all the way to Thailand? There's no such a thing like a former member. Still member would be a better description.

Go to Nana and watch what cops are doing there. Waiting for foreigners who drop a cigarette, then it's time to pay, while many shops sell child porn at many shops.

Didn't know that they were cops but normally they are from the BMA all over Sukhumvit. They tried it on me once, but I dropped the cigarette on a private property (hotel) and told them in Thai that this is not in the jurisdiction of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

[Fgis]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

A currency exchange booth.

Basically....

You take your credit / ATM card with you and a passport to get local currency. They put your card in a reader, you put in the pin number.

They photocopy your passport and card.

You fill in and sign a receipt and if all is correct, then get your money.

No fuss and no hassle.

I always feel it is much safer than using an ATM. You can see what the FX (exchange rate) is when you are at the booth.

Yes, banks do the same but and FX booth does not make a charge.

It's safer until they put your card in a skimmer and duplicate it.

The most unsafe is when someone handle your card.

It's easy to see at ATM when they add a cam to record your password or a system to copy your card but not easy when someone handle your card.

Anyway nobody needs to see your card to copy it, it is most of the time done by a computer program.

[Guest]

This is another reminder to be diligent with your cards. When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is standing next to you. Also place your hand over the pin pad. Go to well lit areas where it is harder for these thieves to hide themselves. If your going out drinking take enough money with you so not to be attempting to use another ATM when intoxicated. As we know intoxication and ATM machines do not mix.

Excellent advice, since it is a "new close personal friend who may steal the info. One additional tip that i employ I have two accounts, one is the Master Account where i keep my vast fortune (wink) and a second "Walk About" card with enough for a good night out and to get me home. It is is good to know the maximum exposure to loss, and no big deal to close that stolen account.

[Guest]

This is another reminder to be diligent with your cards. When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is standing next to you. Also place your hand over the pin pad. Go to well lit areas where it is harder for these thieves to hide themselves. If your going out drinking take enough money with you so not to be attempting to use another ATM when intoxicated. As we know intoxication and ATM machines do not mix.

Excellent advice, since it is a "new close personal friend who may steal the info. One additional tip that i employ I have two accounts, one is the Master Account where i keep my vast fortune (wink) and a second "Walk About" card with enough for a good night out and to get me home. It is is good to know the maximum exposure to loss, and no big deal to close that stolen account.

PS: Please do use the Bank Service that sends notices to your Mobile phone, The other day, I took a client for lunch at a BKK 5 Star, and they ran my card 3 times, then told me "it does not work"

(1) Super embarrassed

(2) There was 20 times the bill due in the account

(3) Because I got three "Debit" messages" it was easy to see and prove the error.

(4) I talked to the manager, over a free glass of wine, and left with a one night complimentary stay in a River View Suite...the staff is currently under investigation.

(5) If you get a text at 3 AM you just "withdrew funds" on Soi 4...you can go to your computer, change the pin, and go the the bank the next morning to fix it all.

[pattayadingo]

Nice to know these people have been caught. Far too much ATM fraud going on. I stopped using the ATM machines and use the FX booth in BigC these days. That feels much safer.

Whhat is FX booth ?

A currency exchange booth.

Basically....

You take your credit / ATM card with you and a passport to get local currency. They put your card in a reader, you put in the pin number.

They photocopy your passport and card.

You fill in and sign a receipt and if all is correct, then get your money.

No fuss and no hassle.

I always feel it is much safer than using an ATM. You can see what the FX (exchange rate) is when you are at the booth.

Yes, banks do the same but and FX booth does not make a charge.

So, you feel more secure with an unregulated / licensed money changer having every single piece of information, all in one place at the same time? Your card information, in a magnetic reader, into which you enter your Pin Code, your complete Passport Photocopied (For possible resale on the street in the form of a forged Passport) and last but not least...your actual signature!

So, what else do they need to "become you" ... a blood sample?

They are not unregulated. The one I use is part of SCB.

Such wit you have