[FreakingOutHere]

Hey I'm on vacation in Thailand. I'm aware of the ATM scams. So I use ATMs only inside banks. But let's say that on the 30th of dec. There was a 1000$ deposit onto my account. I had just over 1300$ now and I took out 300$ for the new years expenses. And now on the 2nd I wanted to go take out another 300$ and it ends up me having only 200$ left on the account

I don't use my card for anything else, only to safeguard my money, I don't use it pay for anything else. If I'm not going to an ATM it's hidden in my spot. I'm the only one who knows the pin/secret word and I am the only one who uses it. Let's just say I don't trust anyone to handle my money outside my bank, which I've been happy with for the last 4 years.

But finding money missing was unexpected and a first to be honest. My banks open only in a couple of days due to the hollidays so I'm stuck here only speculating on what could have happened. I hope there system is wrong at the moment. A system reset and slow to recover all data.

Now finally my question. How do the ATM scams work? If I had fallen victim to a scam, why didn't they clean out my account. But left 200$. Could it be just lag time on the server side of the bank? Since the deposits was so close to the new years? I'll only see my online statements from the 31 to the 2 tomorrow on the 3rd. So I should see the actual transaction of the 800 or so dollars. I just can't understand how the scammed can take money without my card phisicly not knowing my pin nor cvc. Not to mention online transaction cannot be made unless I call my bank and tell my secret word and the set sum that will be unlocked for Internet payments. Yea I know it's a hassle but I like the security.

Excuse the miss spelled words or words out of context. The iPhones silly like that.
Thanks in advance,
Freakingouthere

[joypulv]

ATM scams are usually either fake machines (not likely inside a bank) or someone who videotapes your card and you punching in passwords. There are also sophisticated hacks into bank software.
Is it possible that the $1000 deposit didn't clear, or your home bank put a hold on withdrawals? There's more and more of that done by bot. They even will check what you buy and where and when, and program holds on what are known red flags done by debit/credit cards. I'm not sure about cash, but if you even took out cash at an ATM miles from the last one, it could trigger a hold. Plus you are out of country.

[ScottGem]

There are any number of ways scams can work. The important thing is that you report the problem immediately. Most banks have 24/7 support lines to report these things. The number should be on your card. Call them now.