Money taken from my Cash Passport! ☹️

[Bryonydays]

I am currently walking the Camino Frances with my parents and am enjoying every moment. I brought some euros with me and loaded money onto a cash passport as I thought this would be safe. Unfortunately after checking my balance today over €300 has been taken. The transactions are online ones to Amazon and Deliveroo. The only time I used my cash card was in Biarritz and St Jean as I have been using my cash since then. I spoke with the card company and they have blocked my card and are looking into it. I thought I’d share it here - be careful if you are using a card. I always have been, so was really surprised this has happened!
I’m not going to let it spoil my Camino though!
Buen camino to anyone currently on Camino.

 

[J Willhaus]

I am currently walking the Camino Frances with my parents and am enjoying every moment. I brought some euros with me and loaded money onto a cash passport as I thought this would be safe. Unfortunately after checking my balance today over €300 has been taken. The transactions are online ones to Amazon and Deliveroo. The only time I used my cash card was in Biarritz and St Jean as I have been using my cash since then. I spoke with the card company and they have blocked my card and are looking into it. I thought I’d share it here - be careful if you are using a card. I always have been, so was really surprised this has happened!
I’m not going to let it spoil my Camino though!
Buen camino to anyone currently on Camino.

My credit card was hacked in 2022 in Spain. I have learned since that I can freeze or turn the card "on and off" online before and after I use it. It does happen unfortunately and as a result it is always good to have a backup card of some kind. At the time my card was hacked, someone in Paris was ordering clothing at H&M with my card and also buying a bus fare in Valencia...I was in a remote albergue location on the Aragones with limited cell service and no internet and did not see the transactions until the next day as a result when I regained service. The CC company shut down my card account right away, but unfortunately it was the best card for "points". because I was itinerant, they just mailed me a new card back home in the US instead of trying to track me down at an albergue somewhere on the Camino. Really a pain...

 

[TravellingMan22]

My credit card was hacked in 2022 in Spain. I have learned since that I can freeze or turn the card "on and off" online before and after I use it. It does happen unfortunately and as a result it is always good to have a backup card of some kind. At the time my card was hacked, someone in Paris was ordering clothing at H&M with my card and also buying a bus fare in Valencia...I was in a remote albergue location on the Aragones with limited cell service and no internet and did not see the transactions until the next day as a result when I regained service. The CC company shut down my card account right away, but unfortunately it was the best card for "points". because I was itinerant, they just mailed me a new card back home in the US instead of trying to track me down at an albergue somewhere on the Camino. Really a pain...

Me too. I was asleep in Spain and someone bought a kitchen unit on my card at Home Depot, in Carson City, Nevada. I wouldn’t have minded but I am of no fixed abode and don’t own a kitchen! I freeze my cards a lot but got caught that time. My bank is great and they refunded the money straight away. Sure it will get sorted. A previous attempt when I was in Central America was thwarted when they tried to buy an Apple Computer amongst other things. Whatever the outcome carry on! It won’t change your life!

 

[Undermanager]

With many travel cards now, you can order digital versions, which are then on your phone. You don't need a physical card to make payments although you do for taking money out of an ATM. You can instantly replace a digital card, can use it, then block it, then unblock and use it again. Always worth getting your head around digital cards.

Oh, and never check balances etc unless you are using a VPN. The biggest no no is using a public WiFi system or the WiFi in an albergue - asking for trouble!!

 

[David Tallan]

With many travel cards now, you can order digital versions, which are then on your phone. You don't need a physical card to make payments although you do for taking money out of an ATM. You can instantly replace a digital card, can use it, then block it, then unblock and use it again. Always worth getting your head around digital cards.

Oh, and never check balances etc unless you are using a VPN. The biggest no no is using a public WiFi system or the WiFi in an albergue - asking for trouble!!

I was ready for that. I put my credit cards in my digital wallet and used them. Then, using my e-cards in Europe too many times without physically putting them in the machine and entering the PIN triggered the fraud detection algorithm. They sent a text for me to confirm it was me, but I had a different SIM in my phone. Just sayin' proceed with caution.

 

[K_Lynn]

My credit card was hacked in 2022 in Spain. I have learned since that I can freeze or turn the card "on and off" online before and after I use it. It does happen unfortunately and as a result it is always good to have a backup card of some kind. At the time my card was hacked, someone in Paris was ordering clothing at H&M with my card and also buying a bus fare in Valencia...I was in a remote albergue location on the Aragones with limited cell service and no internet and did not see the transactions until the next day as a result when I regained service. The CC company shut down my card account right away, but unfortunately it was the best card for "points". because I was itinerant, they just mailed me a new card back home in the US instead of trying to track me down at an albergue somewhere on the Camino. Really a pain...

I have set my accounts to text and email me when any purchase is made over $5.00 which is always a nice reminder that I spend too much and often more painful with exchange rates. I also lock and unlock my accounts as needed.

 

[bullingtonce]

I am currently walking the Camino Frances with my parents and am enjoying every moment. I brought some euros with me and loaded money onto a cash passport as I thought this would be safe. Unfortunately after checking my balance today over €300 has been taken. The transactions are online ones to Amazon and Deliveroo. The only time I used my cash card was in Biarritz and St Jean as I have been using my cash since then. I spoke with the card company and they have blocked my card and are looking into it. I thought I’d share it here - be careful if you are using a card. I always have been, so was really surprised this has happened!
I’m not going to let it spoil my Camino though!
Buen camino to anyone currently on Camino.

Good for you; such a good and healthy perspective.

 

[KevinWilcox]

never knew you could freeze/unfreeze cards, that’s useful

 

[t2andreo]

Cash almost always works. I use cash almost exclusively.

The only time my DEBIT card comes out of my pocket is to get cash from an ATM, actually attached to a real bank. These are the most secure.

I also maintain a separate bank account, with only enough money for my Camino. I have a debit card on this account.

If I get hacked, or the DEBIT card lost or stolen, my exposure does not exceed the account balance. I can go online to move funds into or out of this special account.

This sounds more elaborate than it is. But it works.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[TravellingMan22]

never knew you could freeze/unfreeze cards, that’s useful

never knew you could freeze/unfreeze cards, that’s useful

I do it all the time. Did an ATM today in a country known for ATM fraud and froze straight after. Actually thanks for reminding me as still frozen and would have forgotten to unfreeze before I buy a coffee on morning. Always do that! !

You can also play around with contactless limits abd triggers as to when your PiN is required.

I also get notified immediately for every single transation and have to approve the vast majority of online transactions.

 

[Rita Flower]

I am currently walking the Camino Frances with my parents and am enjoying every moment. I brought some euros with me and loaded money onto a cash passport as I thought this would be safe. Unfortunately after checking my balance today over €300 has been taken. The transactions are online ones to Amazon and Deliveroo. The only time I used my cash card was in Biarritz and St Jean as I have been using my cash since then. I spoke with the card company and they have blocked my card and are looking into it. I thought I’d share it here - be careful if you are using a card. I always have been, so was really surprised this has happened!
I’m not going to let it spoil my Camino though!
Buen camino to anyone currently on Camino.

Oh no. Is this a problem with Cash Passport. I also lost $AU120 and they refused to refund as they insisted I had authorised the transaction when it was clear that I hadn’t. There were many email exchanges I actually found that I couldn’t make online purchases with the card. I wondered is someone who actually works for them is scamming. I was going to use it again in a few weeks because it’s all set up but I think I’ll order a Wise card instead.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Oh no. Is this a problem with Cash Passport. I also lost $AU120 and they refused to refund as they insisted I had authorised the transaction when it was clear that I hadn’t. There were many email exchanges I actually found that I couldn’t make online purchases with the card. I wondered is someone who actually works for them is scamming. I was going to use it again in a few weeks because it’s all set up but I think I’ll order a Wise card instead.

Have you weighed up the costs of cash passports / travel cards versus your normal bank card?

 

[trecile]

never knew you could freeze/unfreeze cards, that’s useful

I've done this while on the Camino the last couple of years. Easy to do on the bank's app.

Oh no. Is this a problem with Cash Passport. I also lost $AU120 and they refused to refund as they insisted I had authorised the transaction when it was clear that I hadn’t

As far as I know, credit cards offer more protection against fraud than other types of cards.

 

[Rita Flower]

Have you weighed up the costs of cash passports / travel cards versus your normal bank card?

Yes of course. It's better for me to use a travel card and my bank doesn't do them any more.

 

[jwcurry]

Would 2 factor authentication, as in a series of number/text sent to your phone, help prevent this?

How about biometrics?

Now, you do have to make sure you don't lost your phone.....or, well, your thumbs.

However, having your password isn't going to be good enough.

I too get notifications of expenditures. However, as one person noted....this might not be of help when you are out of communication while walking.

 

[Goyo]

I do it all the time. Did an ATM today in a country known for ATM fraud and froze straight after. Actually thanks for reminding me as still frozen and would have forgotten to unfreeze before I buy a coffee on morning. Always do that! !

You can also play around with contactless limits abd triggers as to when your PiN is required.

I also get notified immediately for every single transation and have to approve the vast majority of online transactions.

So, TravelingMan22, care to divulge the name of the country known for ATM fraud?

 

[ArleneLaskey]

These are great suggestions, thanks!

 

[TravellingMan22]

So, TravelingMan22, care to divulge the name of the country known for ATM fraud?

Sure in this case, Romania. Not a million times worse than other countries but on my radar to ‘immediately freeze’. South Africa, Central America, and a few others come to mind. I guess it’s in my mind because of the recent huge case around ATM scamming albeit that occurred in USA, albeit not on Romanian soil.

Not a slight on Romania or Romanians btw. There are as full of integrity and honesty as everyone else. Most countries/ cities seem to have their own ‘look out fors’ whether it’s phone snatching, pickpockets, drugging drinks, Tinder meets, and so on. Of course once a reputation starts it’s hard to lose.

I caught a train from Budapest here, which is known for two scams amongst others. Fake tickets inspectors on the metro, and the bar bill bill scam. Had them both attempted on me on a previous trip!

It’s worth always checking the major local scam, which doesn’t mean you ignore the ones that happen less often.

The Camino is about as safe as it gets and incidents are rare and opportunities to scam are very small outside theft. Sadly women have to employ similarly levels of safely tactics as they do elsewhere. No one need panic. No one needs a training trip. Get used to the security on your apps. No one need to carry wads of cash , etc.

 

[Bryonydays]

Oh no. Is this a problem with Cash Passport. I also lost $AU120 and they refused to refund as they insisted I had authorised the transaction when it was clear that I hadn’t. There were many email exchanges I actually found that I couldn’t make online purchases with the card. I wondered is someone who actually works for them is scamming. I was going to use it again in a few weeks because it’s all set up but I think I’ll order a Wise card instead.

Hi. I’ve used Cash Passports for years and this is the first time I’ve had a problem. As soon as I realized what had happened I contacted the helpline and they froze the card immediately. Thankfully I had the 2nd card with me so I can use that. They are looking into it and I’m hoping I’ll get my money back.

 

[Rita Flower]

Would 2 factor authentication, as in a series of number/text sent to your phone, help prevent this?

How about biometrics?

Now, you do have to make sure you don't lost your phone.....or, well, your thumbs.

However, having your password isn't going to be good enough.

I too get notifications of expenditures. However, as one person noted....this might not be of help when you are out of communication while walking.

No. Mine was somehow skimmed. A weird story but as I said I ended up thinking it was an employee of the organisation. Anyway this thread had me applying for a Wise card. I started today and even their application stage was more vigilant than the Cash Passport.

 

[Rita Flower]

Hi. I’ve used Cash Passports for years and this is the first time I’ve had a problem. As soon as I realized what had happened I contacted the helpline and they froze the card immediately. Thankfully I had the 2nd card with me so I can use that. They are looking into it and I’m hoping I’ll get my money back.

Good luck. Even though it was absolutely obvious I didn’t make the transaction and sent many detailed explanations they still didn’t give me a refund.

 

[amchara]

I use a Virtual Debit card currency wallet, since arriving in Spain over a week ago I have had no problem and found it easy, and acceptable to pay using either by watch or phone.
It provides notification of a purchases and the ability to change the virtual card intermittently as needed.
I carry the physical debit card for machine cash withdrawals only.
Overlaying all of this is using a VPN and an eSim for data and not having to rely on Wi-Fi.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I don’t use WISE or any similar product but I got an email from them this morning saying their fees had changed as I am registered. It didn’t really mean much to me as a non-user. You should have an email listing changes and a fees calculator to check what it means if you are a customer or registered.

 

[amchara]

To set up requires a time frame prior to departing your home country, maybe too late to implement if already away.
A typical currency wallet charges upon converting from one currency to another, WISE is cost effective, I know from first hand experience, ease of use and reasonable charge.
I can testify most places so far on the del Norte have a facilitated cash less transactions, pay via debit card

 

[WGroleau]

The CC company shut down my card account right away, but unfortunately it was the best card for "points". because I was itinerant, they just mailed me a new card back home in the US instead of trying to track me down at an albergue somewhere on the Camino. Really a pain...

This is why I keep recommending one have at least two cards, and not from the same bank or credit union.

 

[Wippe]

Good for you; such a good and healthy perspective.

I am sorry to hear your loss. It used to happen at simple shops awhere the copied your card or drew the card twice without you noticing it.
It must have happened in one of the places where you used the card. So sorry. Happy to hear you were not travelling alone.
Buon Camino

 

[TravellingMan22]

To set up requires a time frame prior to departing your home country, maybe too late to implement if already away.
A typical currency wallet charges upon converting from one currency to another, WISE is cost effective, I know from first hand experience, ease of use and reasonable charge.
I can testify most places so far on the del Norte have a facilitated cash less transactions, pay via debit card

It’s cost effectiveness probably depends on what part of the world you are from and what card deals you have!

 

[dfox]

As a precaution:

I do not give my debit card and credit card to any person in any establishment in my home and foreign countries. My cards are always in sight.

Malicious people can duplicate debit/credit cards in very short period of time.

 

[Salash]

Oh no. Is this a problem with Cash Passport. I also lost $AU120 and they refused to refund as they insisted I had authorised the transaction when it was clear that I hadn’t. There were many email exchanges I actually found that I couldn’t make online purchases with the card. I wondered is someone who actually works for them is scamming. I was going to use it again in a few weeks because it’s all set up but I think I’ll order a Wise card instead.

I now have a Wise card, and much prefer it to my Cash Passport.
On my last Camino I only had a few hundred dollars on my CP/p in case of emergency. Can't remember why I went to use it, but found it was frozen. Emails back & forth, to no avail. Was so glad I'd opened a Wise account! Cashed out my CP/p once I got home.

 

[amchara]

It’s cost effectiveness probably depends on what part of the world you are from and what card deals you have!

WISE and REVOLU are Debit cards. In the case of Wise there is an initial one off cost for the physical card, I don't think Revolut has cost for the card.
Both are stand along companies not banks, offering double authentication, bio metric access.
The user cost is when converting from one currency to another.

 

[Old Kiwi]

I take a Cash Card with me loaded with the currencies I will be using. I withdraw cash from ATMs, usually those in bank foyers and pay cash for everything. I have never had a problem.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

This year I travelled to Spain with both a WISE card and my usual bank credit card. This was handy when I wanted to pay for a visit to an important monument. The Mastercard system was down throughout the area, so my Westpac card was useless. Fortunately WISE is with Visa, so I was able to use that.

 

[Kathymac888]

Old Kiwi… What is the best time of the year to start from St. Jean?

 

[Old Kiwi]

Hi Kathymac, I do not know the best time to start there. I personally start about mid June I one started towards the end of May. When starting at these times, the weather seems to be settled. Not as wet as April - May and not as hot as August - September. People usually start when they can get time off work or other times when it is convenient to for them.

 

[CWBuff]

Would 2 factor authentication, as in a series of number/text sent to your phone, help prevent this?

Unfortunately not at all. The way to bypass 2FA has been established and is firmly in place for couple of years now

 

[ObeeOne]

Cash almost always works. I use cash almost exclusively.

The only time my DEBIT card comes out of my pocket is to get cash from an ATM, actually attached to a real bank. These are the most secure.

I also maintain a separate bank account, with only enough money for my Camino. I have a debit card on this account.

If I get hacked, or the DEBIT card lost or stolen, my exposure does not exceed the account balance. I can go online to move funds into or out of this special account.

This sounds more elaborate than it is. But it works.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Yes, my bank advised me to do this and I have a Debit card that I use specifically for travel and there is a limited amount in the account.

 

[MikeyC]

My debit card has a control panel in the app which allows me to switch off various card uses such as disabling on line purchases.
I also scrape away the 3 digit security code on the reverse so that the physical card is of limited use online if lost or stolen.

 

[SlowCamino2024]

I am planning on the Camino Frances in Sept 2024. Since I have already had a frequent flier
mileage credit card hacked I am now rather cautious. Just wondering about a few things
since I also do not wish to do online banking or on my phone.
Questions for the more experienced:

1. Best banks in US to have accounts with lowest ATM fees in Spain?
2. How are others paying hotels, etc on the Camino Frances especially?
3. Security measures?
4. Has anyone used a prepaid credit card and if so which ones?

5. My concern about using primarily debit card is that there is less backup by
bank if something goes awry versus a credit card in which they usually will
back you up.
THANKS SO MUCH

 

[trecile]

. Best banks in US to have accounts with lowest ATM fees in Spain?

Charles Schwab Investor Checking account. No fees, no minimum balance, no foreign transaction fees, and ALL ATM fees are refunded.

 

[SlowCamino2024]

Charles Schwab Investor Checking account. No fees, no minimum balance, no foreign transaction fees, and ALL ATM fees are refunded.

Yes, thanks for the reminder, however it does require someone to bank online
which I prefer not doing.... IF I recall correctly and I thought it did require a
minimum balance? But maybe things have changed on both counts?
Anyway, I appreciate the suggestion and will look into it.

 

[trecile]

Yes, thanks for the reminder, however it does require someone to bank online
which I prefer not doing.... IF I recall correctly and I thought it did require a
minimum balance?

Nope, no minimum balance required.

Charles Schwab

What is your objection to online banking?
Your transactions are basically already online.

 

[CWBuff]

Re Charles Schwabb - no minimum balance required; it requires to open an investment account as well but there are no requirements to do anything with that either.
So you open 2 accounts, leave the investment account with a $0.00 balance and foggeddabaudid and transfer X number of $$$ ti the checking account from any of your linked accounts anytime you are ready to travel out if the country. Use it while abroad at any ATMs to withdraw cash as per your need.
So far I used it in France, Spain and Canada
On roughly 1-month time I'll use it in Switzerland and possibly Italy.
Re: usage of CCs on Frances- I've stated here on forum that I am a very heavy CC user I use CCs anywhere and everywhere I can. I used it
On Frances just the same. All you have to do is ask the proprietor "tarjeta si?" and if the answer is affirmative please feel free to do so if you indeed want (to those who object due to the high fees merchants pay to the banks - with all Respect Due this is not about their cost of doing business (and its their decision to accept CCs or not) this is a simple answer to our ability to use the CCs while on Camino).
IIRC about 95% of my expenditures while walking were charged with no issues.
The only other thing that needs to be considered is the security of the card, but that falls into the "overall/general " security topic and to sum that up - keep all your valuables secure and on yourself ALL THE TIME!!! That effectively answers your question #3
Good luck and Buen Camino

 

[amchara]

I am planning on the Camino Frances in Sept 2024. Since I have already had a frequent flier
mileage credit card hacked I am now rather cautious. Just wondering about a few things
since I also do not wish to do online banking or on my phone.
Questions for the more experienced:

1. Best banks in US to have accounts with lowest ATM fees in Spain?
2. How are others paying hotels, etc on the Camino Frances especially?
3. Security measures?
4. Has anyone used a prepaid credit card and if so which ones?

5. My concern about using primarily debit card is that there is less backup by
bank if something goes awry versus a credit card in which they usually will
back you up.
THANKS SO MUCH

Refer to earlier posts regarding WISE debit card advantages.

https://wise.com/invite/ahpc/rogerc791

It's continues to work for me on the Camino and in other countries I have visited.
It a pointed reminder of banks as achitects of the 2008 financial crisis. Some thing to consider. CB:The fund lost hundreds of millions of dollars in early 2008 — one of the largest losses borne by individual investors in the crisis — when the value of the many mortgage bonds in its portfolio collapsed.
Cheers

 

[trecile]

Refer to earlier posts regarding WISE debit card advantages.
https://wise.com/invite/ahpc/rogerc791 It's continues to work for me on the Camino and in other countries I have visited.

For those in the US, I think that the Schwab account is a better deal.

 

[SlowCamino2024]

Thanks so much to all! Very helpful!

 

[JenCook]

Me too. I was asleep in Spain and someone bought a kitchen unit on my card at Home Depot, in Carson City, Nevada. I wouldn’t have minded but I am of no fixed abode and don’t own a kitchen! I freeze my cards a lot but got caught that time. My bank is great and they refunded the money straight away. Sure it will get sorted. A previous attempt when I was in Central America was thwarted when they tried to buy an Apple Computer amongst other things. Whatever the outcome carry on! It won’t change your life!

So can't you advise your cc bank where you will be travelling and on days and then when purchases are made in a different location they will freeze it until they contact you. I tell my bank when I leave NZ and where I'm be on dates that way I'm hopefully covered.

 

[TravellingMan22]

So can't you advise your cc bank where you will be travelling and on days and then when purchases are made in a different location they will freeze it until they contact you. I tell my bank when I leave NZ and where I'm be on dates that way I'm hopefully covered.

Don’t think any UK banks have done that for many years, not any I have used anyway. I am a full time traveller so in different countries all the time anyway so it’s wouldn’t be workable. As stated they did pick up some fraud in Central America a few years back when someone tried to buy an Apple computer on my card. I am constantly freezing and unfreezing my card several times a day. I lower the contactless threshold as well so I am asked for my PIN more often and I lower single transaction values. I also keep a very low balance on my active card and so on. Technology has made life a lot easier and put the customer in control, but of course you can still be caught out!
I hate using cash and use card all the time anyway so it needs to work!

 

[Marcus-UK]

I am planning on the Camino Frances in Sept 2024. Since I have already had a frequent flier
mileage credit card hacked I am now rather cautious. Just wondering about a few things
since I also do not wish to do online banking or on my phone.
Questions for the more experienced:

1. Best banks in US to have accounts with lowest ATM fees in Spain?
2. How are others paying hotels, etc on the Camino Frances especially?
3. Security measures?
4. Has anyone used a prepaid credit card and if so which ones?

5. My concern about using primarily debit card is that there is less backup by
bank if something goes awry versus a credit card in which they usually will
back you up.
THANKS SO MUCH

I am UK based and have used a variety of prepaid debit cards over the years.

The newest cards allow for the creation of multiple virtual cards that can "sandbox" the real physical card. They integrate into your cell phone, so you can use a virtual card linked to googlepay or similar.

The card I use for this is the Revolout card. which gives one of the best conversion rates available however over the weekend the rate is reduced to protect Revolut from out of hours Currency Market fluctuations.

A thing to note with ATM charges is that there three potential charges: 1) The exchange rate, 2)The In-Country bank charge (a French bank was trying to charge me 6 Euros per transaction last week in the Dorogne) 3) Your local Card provider cash transaction fee which on one of my cards is 1.50 Euros.

Post Covid even the remotest back country bar has found a way to use contactless payments in most of Europe.