Warning: BCEL credit-card scam

My companion and I spent the past two months mainly in Vientiane, at our %26#39;usual%26#39; GH [Saysouly]. The most convenient place for her to get kip from her UK bank had been over-the-counter [she%26#39;s no PIN] at BCEL%26#39;s money-exchange kiosk on the riverside quay: show passport and card; both taken away momentarily for photocopying; sign some forms, get kip.

Last week, we returned to BKK, yet two days after our passports were %26#39;exit%26#39; stamped by the Lao immigration [same day: %26#39;entry%26#39; by the Thais], two BCEL-Vientiane cash withdrawals appeared [i.e. dated two days after exit]on her on-line UK bank statement.

We%26#39;re tracking it down through Barclay%26#39;s and no further funny stuff on the statements. So, eventually, we%26#39;ll come right.

But a general cautionary note for those holding VISA/MasterCard without PINs - most specifically at BCEL%26#39;s innocuous, busy kiosk on the Quay [Presidential Palance-end].

Good adventures!

Warning: BCEL credit-card scam

Thanks for the heads up and sorry to hear about your troubles...