Don’t fall victim to those nasty foreign skimmers

Foreigners have once again been blamed for the continuing problem of skimming.

Channel 7 reported on the methods used by the gangs and the measures people can use to protect their money and their property from theft.

The advice comes as it was reported that three Ukrainian skimmers had bought two houses worth 18 million baht in Phuket on the proceeds of crime. One of those has been arrested in Krabi.

They showed the many ways that thieves target ATM machines with such things as card readers, false number pads, little green cup add- ons to the place where you put your card in. Even cameras.

They spoke of hand held skimmers used in businesses like restaurants, gas stations and entertainment venues to read card details. Sometimes unscrupulous banks employees even got in on the act posing as assistance or checkers at ATM machines but really up to no good.

Another method was using stolen or fraudulently obtained documents to apply for cards to access accounts.

Yet another was using the details on the ATM slips for fraudulent activity.

Methods to protect yourself were said to be using difficult passwords, not noting down passwords and changing them every three months at least.

Use busy ATMs and check that they have not been tampered with. Cover your hand when pressing your number.

Avoid using cars at suspicious businesses like gas stations and entertainment venues. Make sure that employees can be seen when handling your card.

Thai Visa / CH7

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