Bangkok couple went on 400,000 baht spending spree and holiday with stolen ATM cards

[webfact]

Bangkok couple went on 400,000 baht spending spree and holiday with stolen ATM cards

 

 

CCTV footage from a 7/11 store revealed on Thai TV showed the moment when a Thai woman went to reclaim an ATM card left in a machine outside the store.

 

The woman claimed that the card was hers and it was handed over to her by staff at the branch in Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok.

 

She was then caught on another camera checking to see if the card had been cancelled at a machine.

 

Along with her boyfriend they managed to use the card to withdraw cash to purchase goods and even took a holiday in Krabi on the proceeds.

 

Channel 7 did not explain in the TV report or online how the couple found out the password of the card.

 

Police arrested Kotchaporn Chaihanam and her boyfriend Wasan Tepin at a gas station on Chaeng Wattana Road.

 

At their house they found seven other ATM cards and a host of goods such as gold jewelry, phones, electrical appliances and watches.

 

They admitted to at least 30 thefts since the start of the year and taking a holiday in Krabi.

 

Police warned people who forget their cards in ATM machines to immediately report the matter to banks to cancel the cards.

 

Source: CH7

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-06-14

[poanoi]

how did they find out passwords ?

[bluesofa]

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

[jonclark]

8 minutes ago, bluesofa said:

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

 

I know the event wasn't funny - But thank you for the giggle - A thief that uses a loyalty card when making a purchase with a stolen card is brilliant. 

[akampa]

Now in Big C you do not even have to sign with Mastercard or bank card for the purchases .

[bluesofa]

2 minutes ago, akampa said:

Now in Big C you do not even have to sign with Mastercard or bank card for the purchases .

There's a pre-set spending limit when you don't need to sign. Over that and you will.

So any savvy thief will just keep making small purchases. What a silly system.

 

[shady86]

Atm cards should be released before cash, so people don't forget.

[bluesofa]

7 minutes ago, shady86 said:

Atm cards should be released before cash, so people don't forget.

Agreed. I can only compare it with the UK: Machine bleeps - remove card. Failure to remove card will prevent cash being dispensed.

Here it's a lack of common sense by the bank staff controlling the system.

 

[thinknirmal]

4 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

At least in India, one cannot set their own PIN anymore. You choose two digits and the bank generates the other two digits.

[happydays]

Twice in the last 6 months I’ve left my ATM card in a machine outside 7-11 & both times nobody had handed the card in. Disappointed at the lack of honesty in this country. My solution is to have 2 bank accounts, 1 with an ATM card in which I keep a maximum of B10k & the balance in the other account with no card. Easy to transfer money between accounts on my phone. Also, I see some ATM machines allow you to withdraw money without a card, the bank sends a code to your phone.

[Lupatria]

4 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

There is an old saying for that: too lazy to work, too dumb to steal.

I'm wondering about the fact that every week there are 2 or 3 forgotten ATM cards stacked at the top of the machine for days in my hood and it looks like nobody is stealing them???

[Tchooptip]

In the old days, there were thieves  AND honest people1

Nowadays there are thieves AND honest people AND some "honest people"  who do not hesitate to steal when the opportunity arises 

 

 

[NextStationBangkok]

5 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

The point is, Thai people like points(Kanen), for everything including member card for massage.

 

How embarrassing you to the same massage center for 10 times to claim one free massage.?

[Pattaya28]

As usual, the important bit of how the password was got, is NOT in the report. 

[NE1]

Years ago I was in a Walmart in Mobile USA ,  they used a swipe card system on the ATM's in there.

I thought what a good idea , this must catch on as the card never leaves your hand.

 

[Tchooptip]

In the old days, there were thieves  AND honest people in two separate worlds.

Nowadays there are thieves AND honest people.

PLUS some "honest people"  who do not hesitate to steal every time the opportunity arises 

 

 

[kcpattaya]

I am delighted to see their clear faces as well!

[fake farang]

56 minutes ago, NextStationBangkok said:

How embarrassing you to the same massage center for 10 times to claim one free massage.?

... with the same girl?

[terryofcrete]

1 hour ago, happydays said:

Twice in the last 6 months I’ve left my ATM card in a machine outside 7-11 & both times nobody had handed the card in. Disappointed at the lack of honesty in this country. My solution is to have 2 bank accounts, 1 with an ATM card in which I keep a maximum of B10k & the balance in the other account with no card. Easy to transfer money between accounts on my phone. Also, I see some ATM machines allow you to withdraw money without a card, the bank sends a code to your phone.

do you not worry about yourself ? Reading your comment I do worry about your safety . 

[ttrd]

6 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Often finding the passwords isn't that difficult, even with a limited number of tries. I know someone locally used 1111 as the password. 1234 is another popular choice with people who have no understanding of security.

 

My wife left her card in an ATM once (after a transaction), went back fifteen minutes later and it was gone. She phoned the bank immediately who cancelled the card, They told her it had just been used in Big C (the ATM was directly outside).

She went into Big C and spoke to the manager who was helpful, showed her the till receipt for 3,000 baht-odd that was spent. As no one here ever checks the signature, it's not a deterrent.

However, the manager noticed the buyer had used a Big C loyalty card at the same time. The culprit was caught through that, but only by my wife's persistence. She had her money refunded by the thief who also went to prison for theft.

Shows the stupidity of this particular thief, using her own loyalty card.

 

Another proof on that it doesnt help you much in life to be loyal...

[Wake Up]

6 hours ago, bluesofa said:

There's a pre-set spending limit when you don't need to sign. Over that and you will.

So any savvy thief will just keep making small purchases. What a silly system.

 

Most customers are not thieves. Stores have calculated the losses they absorb versus the time spent requiring customers in line to purchase goods. It is their business so not a “silly system” but well thought out system. Studies show long lines make customers leave without purchasing and not go back. 

 

More benefit by faster lines and I agree with them. Last thing I want is a slow check out line and extra steps for every purchase. 

[Wake Up]

2 hours ago, happydays said:

Twice in the last 6 months I’ve left my ATM card in a machine outside 7-11 & both times nobody had handed the card in. Disappointed at the lack of honesty in this country. My solution is to have 2 bank accounts, 1 with an ATM card in which I keep a maximum of B10k & the balance in the other account with no card. Easy to transfer money between accounts on my phone. Also, I see some ATM machines allow you to withdraw money without a card, the bank sends a code to your phone.

Did you read what you wrote? Are you desperate to disparage Thailand?  Leave your atm card in any machine in the world and sometimes you get it back by an honest person and sometimes you don’t. You need to be more concerned with leaving atm cards in the machines instead of giving others banking advice and criticism of Thais. ?

[USMC RETIRED 2015]

7 hours ago, bluesofa said:

There's a pre-set spending limit when you don't need to sign. Over that and you will.

So any savvy thief will just keep making small purchases. What a silly system.

 

don't know where you have been but it's like that most everywhere...in the U.S it's been like that for over a decade....$25 min purchase for signature.  bottom line...don't lose your card.

[sawadeeken]

2 hours ago, Pattaya28 said:

As usual, the important bit of how the password was got, is NOT in the report. 

MAYBE!!!!!!!!! JUST MAYBE!!!!!!!!!!!   They don't want to 'educate' potential crooks ........

Future Thieves..............

[PaceArrow]

Thai journalist aren't very good at getting all the details surrounding a crime or asking the key questions!!  They seem to focus only on the event happened and they perpetrators or culprits were caught, end of story!!

[Garry]

8 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Agreed. I can only compare it with the UK: Machine bleeps - remove card. Failure to remove card will prevent cash being dispensed.

Here it's a lack of common sense by the bank staff controlling the system.

 

Same here where I work in the Middle East, card always dispensed before the cash.

[observer90210]

The basic system of a ATM card with a code seems to have lived its time, in todays dishonest world.

 

Double checking through a sms with a code seems to be the future, before this method also gets exploited by the criminals.

 

 

[Henrik Andersen]

4 hours ago, happydays said:

Twice in the last 6 months I’ve left my ATM card in a machine outside 7-11 & both times nobody had handed the card in. Disappointed at the lack of honesty in this country. My solution is to have 2 bank accounts, 1 with an ATM card in which I keep a maximum of B10k & the balance in the other account with no card. Easy to transfer money between accounts on my phone. Also, I see some ATM machines allow you to withdraw money without a card, the bank sends a code to your phone.

Meaby you need to wait for the ATM card next time I don't understand how people can forget the card

how hard can it be get the money take the card it is not rocket science 

[shy coconut]

5 hours ago, Pattaya28 said:

As usual, the important bit of how the password was got, is NOT in the report. 

One poster said it is not difficult, frustratingly , with no explanation.

[dane222]

6 hours ago, happydays said:

Twice in the last 6 months I’ve left my ATM card in a machine outside 7-11 & both times nobody had handed the card in. Disappointed at the lack of honesty in this country. My solution is to have 2 bank accounts, 1 with an ATM card in which I keep a maximum of B10k & the balance in the other account with no card. Easy to transfer money between accounts on my phone. Also, I see some ATM machines allow you to withdraw money without a card, the bank sends a code to your phone.

If you use SCB easy, you could open another account fully online where you transfer your funds to, and only leave whatever you want to spend in the main account which is tied to the debit card. Whenever you need to withdraw cash or shop with the card, you simply transfer the required amount into the main account.