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Yes, my brother in Arizona said today a skimming device. Thanks for the help, I will have my family deposit $ in Travelex. Some how they missed that card? And I'll pray that it will stay that way.Sorry to hear about your situation.
Are you saying that you had two separate accounts hacked - 1. Your bank account and/or associated debit card and 2. A separate ("emergency") Visa credit card? And were the fraudulent withdrawals from your accounts done with cards? If so, it seems likely that there was a skimming device fitted to the Cali Bank ATM. Is that what you suspect? Or do you have some other theory? What does your bank say?
With regard to solving your problem - Do you have a travel insurance policy? That would be the first port of call. Failing that, perhaps your family or friends can transfer money to your Travelex account to cover your immediate needs?
Reaching out to strangers for help via GoFundMe seems like a desperate last resort. I think people would be very suspicious, since there are many scammers with hard luck stories out there.
Thank you for your share, and yes this is also to help all pilgrims.Talk to the US embassy in Madrid or to a consul in another city. They may have pull in getting you a visa extension. As far as getting you money or cards faster they may not be able to help directly but they should have run into this situation before and give you advice.
As for your checking account being drained, I had two checking accounts at the same bank with only one tied to an ATM card. I had things setup for a weekly transfer to the ATM one so if it was illegally accessed the crooks would not get all my money. Yeah, this doesn't help you now but it may be useful for others reading this thread.
Good luck to you.
Hopefully their is an Embassy in Santiago. Am in Ribadiso, soon my Camino is completed. Been here for near 3 months, Madrid twice after injury. Bus fares add up and the visa time is running out.Thank you for your share, and yes this is also to help all pilgrims.
Hi,Hopefully their is an Embassy in Santiago. Am in Ribadiso, soon my Camino is completed. Been here for near 3 months, Madrid twice after injury. Bus fares add up and the visa time is running out.
Tom, thank you for the important safety information reminder and to the OP for sharing a story about this unsettling experience.NEVER, as in EVER allow any credit or debit card out of your sight... EVER!
ALWAYS, ONLY ever use an ATM attached to a proper and functioning bank. NEVER, as in EVER use a freestanding non-bank affiliated, or private ATM. These are common in cafe's and small tiendas or gasoline stations, and are most often doing skimming, in addition to charging high fees. Not all are bad, but this is a BAD crowd...
Perhaps the ONLY exceptions are stand alone ATMs at airports and train stations...and then only if they are clearly labeled as belonging to a known large bank, Santander, Abanca, etc.
ALWAYS check when you insert your card, for something that does not look "normal. This is how card skimmers work. Most paste on the front of the slot and look as though they belong there. You have to look closely.
This is like practicing safe, sex... sorry, but the analogy is correct IMHO, even if my memory gros dim... If it does not seem right and proper, DON'T DO IT!
Hope this helps.
I did not know about any of this. Thanks, Tom.NEVER, as in EVER allow any credit or debit card out of your sight... EVER!
ALWAYS, ONLY ever use an ATM attached to a proper and functioning bank. NEVER, as in EVER use a freestanding non-bank affiliated, or private ATM. These are common in cafe's and small tiendas or gasoline stations, and are most often doing skimming, in addition to charging high fees. Not all are bad, but this is a BAD crowd...
Perhaps the ONLY exceptions are stand alone ATMs at airports and train stations...and then only if they are clearly labeled as belonging to a known large bank, Santander, Abanca, etc.
ALWAYS check when you insert your card, for something that does not look "normal. This is how card skimmers work. Most paste on the front of the slot and look as though they belong there. You have to look closely.
This is like practicing safe, sex... sorry, but the analogy is correct IMHO, even if my memory grows dim... If it does not seem right and proper, DON'T DO IT!
Sorry for your predicament & all the stress & hassle that goes with it.In Leon my phone died as it fell in to deep water. Stayed an extra day, Phone house @1000am bought Huawei 250 Eu. Extremely nice employee helped me with the downloads. A few days later I needed cash. Went into a Cali bank ATM. Put in my emergency visa card realizing that I wanted to use my debit card. Put that in and withdrew 300Eu. Spotty internet in small pueblos a week later in a larger city checked my balance. I was wiped out, thousands gone and the 1st card had charges on it over $1000.00. Had to cancel both cards, unable to replace as it takes 7-10 days. Thank the Devine I had read this forum and purchased a Travelex card as I can at least finish the Camino in the next few days. How will I get out of Europe? My 90d American Visa up 7/18. Any clue. Tips welcome. Open acct in Santiago $50 and request go fund me???
In Leon my phone died as it fell in to deep water. Stayed an extra day, Phone house @1000am bought Huawei 250 Eu. Extremely nice employee helped me with the downloads. A few days later I needed cash. Went into a Cali bank ATM. Put in my emergency visa card realizing that I wanted to use my debit card. Put that in and withdrew 300Eu. Spotty internet in small pueblos a week later in a larger city checked my balance. I was wiped out, thousands gone and the 1st card had charges on it over $1000.00. Had to cancel both cards, unable to replace as it takes 7-10 days. Thank the Devine I had read this forum and purchased a Travelex card as I can at least finish the Camino in the next few days. How will I get out of Europe? My 90d American Visa up 7/18. Any clue. Tips welcome. Open acct in Santiago $50 and request go fund me???
Another reason to carry the cash you will need with you.In Leon my phone died as it fell in to deep water. Stayed an extra day, Phone house @1000am bought Huawei 250 Eu. Extremely nice employee helped me with the downloads. A few days later I needed cash. Went into a Cali bank ATM. Put in my emergency visa card realizing that I wanted to use my debit card. Put that in and withdrew 300Eu. Spotty internet in small pueblos a week later in a larger city checked my balance. I was wiped out, thousands gone and the 1st card had charges on it over $1000.00. Had to cancel both cards, unable to replace as it takes 7-10 days. Thank the Devine I had read this forum and purchased a Travelex card as I can at least finish the Camino in the next few days. How will I get out of Europe? My 90d American Visa up 7/18. Any clue. Tips welcome. Open acct in Santiago $50 and request go fund me???
how frustrating from a logistical stand point
how disappointing from a human trust stand point
how worrisome from a financial security point
Too late or unnecessary for you, but I carried a type a visa credit/ debit card that my bank offered- the foreign exchange fees were better and I would load it with a set amount of money so if stolen, they could ONLY get that $300 or so in it
I made transfers from another account into this card as needed
N
I love your yippee! I will ‘appear’ in Santiago twice in August: Sunday 4th, if it is the 4th, and then the following Saturday due to arrive after the Ingles from Ferrol. I imagine you will have flown the coop by then. Pity. I could swap umbrella hats with you... and guess what? Today I saw a young guy in town sporting one! I don’t know what his excuse is, as I was on a tram and couldn’t ask him. HAve a great time, and you will be as kind to every pilgrim as is possible to be, I am sure of that!I agree with you, vis the disappointment. However, one should be using all the cautionary efforts I mentioned previously, even when at home. Using the same proactive, protective methods 24 x 7, globally, means you do not have to modify how you do things when traveling. That change in procedure is what usually trips folks up. Do it the same ALL THE TIME, and there is no change.
Here in South Florida, we have EVERY scam known to man. From panhandling, to card skimmers at gas stations, to hotel and restaurant staff skimming cards using electronic devices, or just copying the card information manually. Much of this crime is focused towards removing cash and assets from senior citizens.
This is not new. It has been that way, like forever. Gamblers migrate to Las Vegas. Scam artists come to South Florida. Unfortunately, it is part of the culture. As soon as you move here, you either quickly observe, learn, assess, adapt, and overcome, or you become prey... a victim...
Then, there is the torrent of scam phone calls targeted towards trusting elderly folks. While I am 66, I am far from stupid. The last bit of my professional career was spent in the intelligence community.
Knowing how to mount an effective counter to these scam attempts, I use call blocking software and the US national Do Not Call List to eliminate all calls, except for the odd political call during election seasons. They and charities are still allowed to call. So I use Caller ID to avoid answering any call I do not recognize. It's a wonderful invention when used properly...
Personally, I have had a credit card hijacked once, in a US national chain hotel when I came to Florida in 2015, looking for a home before we moved. At that time, the front desk person at the hotel said the "...computer was down, could they hold my card and return it later..." I STUPIDLY acceded to this request.
Within 48-hours, my credit card issuer was calling me to check I made all the crazy charges. I did not, cancelled the card, and reported this to the hotel chain's national security director. No harm done. I avoided having to pay anything. But it WAS inconvenient. Fortunately, I had a second credit card available to use.
This same thing happened several years earlier when I was vacationing at the seashore in Deauville, France. A restaurant worker skimmed my card when he left the table to return with the dining receipt for me to sign.
That raises a point for the Camino in particular. ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B.
I have two funding streams, without having to resort to external intervention by friends or family. My default spending method is cash, using my EU bank debit card. I have a non-resident current account in a European country.
Several weeks before I travel to Spain or Europe, I move funds into that account. I place the amount I will need, based on my daily average spend, plus 10 percent. Over the years, I found that using ZOOM / Paypal works best for me, minimizing fees, while obtaining a good exchange rate (USD --> EU).
My second funding stream is my US-based bank account. I carry that debit card for backup use. If my Euro debit card is compromised in any way, I resort to using the US-based card. However, this is nominally more expensive. Also, in the event of a serious internet outage, I would not have access to US-based bank to access funds.
For those of you paying attention to current events. These large scale outages are happening as national level actors learn where the transcontinental cables are laid in the oceans and how to sever them. This may be a strategic game of chicken for countries, But to the rest of us, it is just damned inconvenient.
For me, and based on what I know professionally, having two separate pots of funds, one EU-based and one US-based makes sense, for a lot of reasons, all valid...
Similarly, I have two credit cards. One is used for lodging and travel expenses, but only in a chain business hotel or in the biggest cities. I still never allow it out of my sight and control. The second card is hidden away and used as a reserve, just-in-case. When out on Camino, I ALWAYS use cash, never plastic. I top off my in-pocket cash (Euros) every 4-5 days at a BANK mounted ATM.
It goes without saying that these cards and funding options are kept in separate locations. So, in the unlikely event of a strong-arm robbery, I would lose only one funding stream. I can freeze this source, and cancel cards with one phone call.
I no longer allow a debit or credit card out of my sight and direct control. I pay for all restaurant meals in cash. I do this even at home, in the US. Once this becomes your habit, you stick to it.
When I do use a point-of-purchase card scanner, I make sure I control the process. No one sees me enter my PIN.
In the case of gas-pump mounted card scanners, I always check to ensure nothing is adhered to the front of the scanner housing. Someone mentioned this above, but it bears repeating.
Also, there are card skimmers that plug in to the card payment system on the inside of the gas pump housing. But this involves an inside operator, someone working at the station. There is no effective way to guard against this except to pay attention and get a receipt. Verify the exact amount on the recipe against your bank account.
Living in a location where scams, especially against older folks are endemic and an art form, helps keeps my street senses heightened to threats. I tank these honed senses and skills with me when I travel - anywhere.
FYI, I leave for my summer month, working at the Pilgrim Office in FIVE DAYS... Yippee!
Hope this helps someone avoid problems.
Very good advice and I will add that I had problems with s bank ATM across the street from the bus station in Leon and though the bank was open they would not give me my money and I had to track it back through my banks fraud depr. Now my story PALES by comparison and I’m so sorry for the OP’s situation. My bank’s fraud dept. recredited myNEVER, as in EVER allow any credit or debit card out of your sight... EVER!
ALWAYS, ONLY ever use an ATM attached to a proper and functioning bank. NEVER, as in EVER use a freestanding non-bank affiliated, or private ATM. These are common in cafes and small tiendas or gasoline stations, and are most often doing skimming, in addition to charging high fees. Not all are bad, but this is a BAD crowd...
Perhaps the ONLY exceptions are stand alone ATMs at airports and train stations...and then only if they are clearly labeled as belonging to a known large bank, Santander, Abanca, etc.
ALWAYS check when you insert your card, for something that does not look "normal. This is how card skimmers work. Most paste on the front of the slot and look as though they belong there. You have to look closely.
This is like practicing safe, sex... sorry, but the analogy is correct IMHO, even if my memory grows dim... If it does not seem right and proper, DON'T DO IT!
Hope this helps.
Exactly agree 100% mate word for word Never let the CC out of your site, I always had a debit card in my wallet and my CC in my phone in case of separation of one or the other.NEVER, as in EVER allow any credit or debit card out of your sight... EVER!
ALWAYS, ONLY ever use an ATM attached to a proper and functioning bank. NEVER, as in EVER use a freestanding non-bank affiliated, or private ATM. These are common in cafes and small tiendas or gasoline stations, and are most often doing skimming, in addition to charging high fees. Not all are bad, but this is a BAD crowd...
Perhaps the ONLY exceptions are stand alone ATMs at airports and train stations...and then only if they are clearly labeled as belonging to a known large bank, Santander, Abanca, etc.
ALWAYS check when you insert your card, for something that does not look "normal. This is how card skimmers work. Most paste on the front of the slot and look as though they belong there. You have to look closely.
This is like practicing safe, sex... sorry, but the analogy is correct IMHO, even if my memory grows dim... If it does not seem right and proper, DON'T DO IT!
Hope this helps.
That is what I am planning to do. Not sure how much to transfer every week.Talk to the US embassy in Madrid or to a consul in another city. They may have pull in getting you a visa extension. As far as getting you money or cards faster they may not be able to help directly but they should have run into this situation before and give you advice.
As for your checking account being drained, I had two checking accounts at the same bank with only one tied to an ATM card. I had things setup for a weekly transfer to the ATM one so if it was illegally accessed the crooks would not get all my money. Yeah, this doesn't help you now but it may be useful for others reading this thread.
Good luck to you.
We stayed mainly in albergues and mainly had pilgrim meals but sometimes went fancier. In 2015 on an almost 10 week CF camino we averaged 35 euros per person per day. From what I've seen on this forum that amount seems typical for retirees willing to rough it a bit. So figure 250 euros per week for that daily amount but front load the account with enough for emergency withdrawals. 350 euros may be good if you want more privacy.That is what I am planning to do. Not sure how much to transfer every week.
We stayed mainly in albergues and mainly had pilgrim meals but sometimes went fancier. In 2015 on an almost 10 week CF camino we averaged 35 euros per person per day. From what I've seen on this forum that amount seems typical for retirees willing to rough it a bit. So figure 250 euros per week for that daily amount but front load the account with enough for emergency withdrawals. 350 euros may be good if you want more privacy.
And managed deposits to my checking account via my banking app.As for your checking account being drained, I had two checking accounts at the same bank with only one tied to an ATM card.
Good point. Back then I was just using the electronics for email. Now I use more apps. I could transfer money that way but if my account still has free ATM withdrawals overseas and no currency conversion charges I'll still use the weekly automatic transfers to handle things in case of a broken, lost or stolen smartphone.And managed deposits to my checking account via my banking app.
In fact US banks require that police report in order to refund your money. be sure to get the filing number of the report for your own records as well as to inform the bank.Firstly if you have card problems cancel them, and report the theft / problem to the police, get a written report. This will help you when you claim for reimbursements from the bank. Along with records that show you were elsewhere when the fraudulent expences where put on your card.
No fees. <sigh>Good point. Back then I was just using the electronics for email. Now I use more apps. I could transfer money that way but if my account still has free ATM withdrawals overseas and no currency conversion charges I'll still use the weekly automatic transfers to handle things in case of a broken, lost or stolen smartphone.
I had actually cancelled the transaction, because I wasn't sure that I was using the right machine for my travel card. Anyway, it was sorted.Sometimes ATM machines do jam and fail to dispense bills. It happens. Glad you got it sorted.
. . . . . . . . . . I used to use Internet banking to check on funds and transfer money, still do, but now take my own device rather than use Internet cafes or unknown devices which can track your keyboard strokes. . . . . . . . .
NEVER, as in EVER allow any credit or debit card out of your sight... EVER!
ALWAYS, ONLY ever use an ATM attached to a proper and functioning bank. NEVER, as in EVER use a freestanding non-bank affiliated, or private ATM. These are common in cafes and small tiendas or gasoline stations, and are most often doing skimming, in addition to charging high fees. Not all are bad, but this is a BAD crowd...
Perhaps the ONLY exceptions are stand alone ATMs at airports and train stations...and then only if they are clearly labeled as belonging to a known large bank, Santander, Abanca, etc.
ALWAYS check when you insert your card, for something that does not look "normal. This is how card skimmers work. Most paste on the front of the slot and look as though they belong there. You have to look closely.
What is 'panhandling' in this thread context?I agree with you, vis the disappointment. However, one should be using all the cautionary efforts I mentioned previously, even when at home. Using the same proactive, protective methods 24 x 7, globally, means you do not have to modify how you do things when traveling. That change in procedure is what usually trips folks up. Do it the same ALL THE TIME, and there is no change.
Here in South Florida, we have EVERY scam known to man. From panhandling, to card skimmers at gas stations, to hotel and restaurant staff skimming cards using electronic devices, or just copying the card information manually. Much of this crime is focused towards removing cash and assets from senior citizens.
This is not new. It has been that way, like forever. Gamblers migrate to Las Vegas. Scam artists come to South Florida. Unfortunately, it is part of the culture. As soon as you move here, you either quickly observe, learn, assess, adapt, and overcome, or you become prey... a victim...
Then, there is the torrent of scam phone calls targeted towards trusting elderly folks. While I am 66, I am far from stupid. The last bit of my professional career was spent in the intelligence community.
Knowing how to mount an effective counter to these scam attempts, I use call blocking software and the US national Do Not Call List to eliminate all calls, except for the odd political call during election seasons. They and charities are still allowed to call. So I use Caller ID to avoid answering any call I do not recognize. It's a wonderful invention when used properly...
Personally, I have had a credit card hijacked once, in a US national chain hotel when I came to Florida in 2015, looking for a home before we moved. At that time, the front desk person at the hotel said the "...computer was down, could they hold my card and return it later..." I STUPIDLY acceded to this request.
Within 48-hours, my credit card issuer was calling me to check I made all the crazy charges. I did not, cancelled the card, and reported this to the hotel chain's national security director. No harm done. I avoided having to pay anything. But it WAS inconvenient. Fortunately, I had a second credit card available to use.
This same thing happened several years earlier when I was vacationing at the seashore in Deauville, France. A restaurant worker skimmed my card when he left the table to return with the dining receipt for me to sign.
That raises a point for the Camino in particular. ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B.
I have two funding streams, without having to resort to external intervention by friends or family. My default spending method is cash, using my EU bank debit card. I have a non-resident current account in a European country.
Several weeks before I travel to Spain or Europe, I move funds into that account. I place the amount I will need, based on my daily average spend, plus 10 percent. Over the years, I found that using ZOOM / Paypal works best for me, minimizing fees, while obtaining a good exchange rate (USD --> EU).
My second funding stream is my US-based bank account. I carry that debit card for backup use. If my Euro debit card is compromised in any way, I resort to using the US-based card. However, this is nominally more expensive. Also, in the event of a serious internet outage, I would not have access to US-based bank to access funds.
For those of you paying attention to current events. These large scale outages are happening as national level actors learn where the transcontinental cables are laid in the oceans and how to sever them. This may be a strategic game of chicken for countries, But to the rest of us, it is just damned inconvenient.
For me, and based on what I know professionally, having two separate pots of funds, one EU-based and one US-based makes sense, for a lot of reasons, all valid...
Similarly, I have two credit cards. One is used for lodging and travel expenses, but only in a chain business hotel or in the biggest cities. I still never allow it out of my sight and control. The second card is hidden away and used as a reserve, just-in-case. When out on Camino, I ALWAYS use cash, never plastic. I top off my in-pocket cash (Euros) every 4-5 days at a BANK mounted ATM.
It goes without saying that these cards and funding options are kept in separate locations. So, in the unlikely event of a strong-arm robbery, I would lose only one funding stream. I can freeze this source, and cancel cards with one phone call.
I no longer allow a debit or credit card out of my sight and direct control. I pay for all restaurant meals in cash. I do this even at home, in the US. Once this becomes your habit, you stick to it.
When I do use a point-of-purchase card scanner, I make sure I control the process. No one sees me enter my PIN.
In the case of gas-pump mounted card scanners, I always check to ensure nothing is adhered to the front of the scanner housing. Someone mentioned this above, but it bears repeating.
Also, there are card skimmers that plug in to the card payment system on the inside of the gas pump housing. But this involves an inside operator, someone working at the station. There is no effective way to guard against this except to pay attention and get a receipt. Verify the exact amount on the recipe against your bank account.
Living in a location where scams, especially against older folks are endemic and an art form, helps keeps my street senses heightened to threats. I tank these honed senses and skills with me when I travel - anywhere.
FYI, I leave for my summer month, working at the Pilgrim Office in FIVE DAYS... Yippee!
Hope this helps someone avoid problems.
We don't do internet banking but do sometimes book hotel rooms online when a card's details are required. Paranoia helps here too. We only use our own device and also in a private room where the password is not on public view.I used to use Internet banking to check on funds and transfer money, still do, but now take my own device rather than use Internet cafes or unknown devices which can track your keyboard strokes.
Hi everyone !!!!! My son works in technology and programming, he has always told me NEVER NEVER to use wifi in coffees & hotels. And if I have to then close all my financial data. Hackers job is to hack so they are always chasing the opportunity to do it. They are all over the world, sad but real.We don't do internet banking but do sometimes book hotel rooms online when a card's details are required. Paranoia helps here too. We only use our own device and also in a private room where the password is not on public view.
For complete paranoia use a smartphone with both wi-fi disabled and also updates/upgrades by mobile data disabled. That way you are using your own mobile connection and data and not a 3rd party. Keep data turned off except when needed. (My current way of minimally accessing the internet when not at home).
Only had a problem once after a purchase from a well known website and the card provider recognised an 'odd' transaction, contacted us and as a result we cancelled the card (Well done MBNA). We now try to use vouchers on the site concerned, which can remain nameless.
On the Camino we loaded a cash card with no access to our actual accounts. Also had a daily limit and a spare card. Worked well.
Trust all works out for the OP, a horrible thing to happen.
Sorry to hear that. Correos offers a prepaid card. You can apply for it at any post office. Maybe worth looking at for future pilgrims. Unfortunately it's only available in Spain for now, hopefully, soon they will cover Portugal.In Leon my phone died as it fell in to deep water. Stayed an extra day, Phone house @1000am bought Huawei 250 Eu. Extremely nice employee helped me with the downloads. A few days later I needed cash. Went into a Cali bank ATM. Put in my emergency visa card realizing that I wanted to use my debit card. Put that in and withdrew 300Eu. Spotty internet in small pueblos a week later in a larger city checked my balance. I was wiped out, thousands gone and the 1st card had charges on it over $1000.00. Had to cancel both cards, unable to replace as it takes 7-10 days. Thank the Devine I had read this forum and purchased a Travelex card as I can at least finish the Camino in the next few days. How will I get out of Europe? My 90d American Visa up 7/18. Any clue. Tips welcome. Open acct in Santiago $50 and request go fund me???
Use a VPN when connected to public wifi:If we are not to use the wifi in cafes or hotels while traveling, what are our options if we need to be connected? I have roaming data, but it's not very useful much of the time on the caminos.
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