Two French Nationals Arrested in Pattaya for ATM Skimming

 

PATTAYA – Police in Pattaya have have arrested two French Nationals for allegedly stealing data from foreign tourists’ ATM cards.

Police identify the suspects as Mr.Bassem and Mr. Hamin were caught with eight fake ATM cards and one “skimming” device.

Pol.Col. Prachaya Prasarnsuk, deputy commander of Chonburi police, told Khaosod the two men preyed on elderly foreign tourists, pretending to assist them when they withdrew cash from ATM machines.

Pol.Col. Prachaya said one of the suspects would place a skimming device inside the ATM, while the other would look at the PIN number the victims typed on the machine.

The scammers then created fake ATM cards based on the stolen information, which they used to withdraw money from the victims’ bank accounts, Pol.Col. Prachaya said.

Pol.Col. Prachaya said they were unsure just how much money the Frenchmen skimmed off tourists before they were apprehended. Both men will be charged and then deported and black listed from Thailand.

What is card skimming?

‘Card skimming’ is the illegal copying of information from the magnetic strip of a credit or ATM card. It is a more direct version of a phishing scam.

The scammers try to steal your details so they can access your accounts. Once scammers have skimmed your card, they can create a fake or ‘cloned’ card with your details on it. The scammer is then able to run up charges on your account.

Card skimming is also a way for scammers to steal your identity (your personal details) and use it to commit identity fraud. By stealing your personal details and account numbers the scammer may be able to borrow money or take out loans in your name.

Warning signs

• A shop assistant takes your card out of your sight in order to process your transaction.
• You are asked to swipe your card through more than one machine.
• You see a shop assistant swipe the card through a different machine to the one you used.
• You notice something suspicious about the card slot on an ATM (e.g. an attached device).
• You notice unusual or unauthorised transactions on your account or credit card statement

Protect yourself from card skimming

• Keep your credit card and ATM cards safe. Do not share your personal identity number (PIN) with anyone. Do not keep any written copy of your PIN with the card.
• Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it to your credit union or bank.
• Choose passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess.

Do your homework

If you are using an ATM, take the time to check that there is nothing suspicious about the machine.

Ask yourself if you trust the person or trader who you are handing your card over to. If a shop assistant looks like they are going to take your card out of your sight, ask if it is really necessary.

Decide

If an ATM looks suspicious, do not use it and alert the ATM owner.

If you are in a shop and the assistant wants to swipe your card out of your sight, or in a second machine, you should ask for your card back straight away and either pay with a cheque or cash, or not make the purchase.