Play-Asia - Secure?

[fallenangle]

To start this: I must make absolutely clear that I am NOT accusing Play-Asia or anyone connected with them of anything.

I recently started another thread and posted to an existing one as I'd just had my credit card details compromised. Many others here reported similar and worse cases.

I've just received my credit card statement featuring the illegal debit made on my account: >?500 Strawberry Ltd based in Hong Kong.

Now this could just be bizarre coincidence but last month I placed my first ever order with Play-Asia, followed by another shortly after. Both items arrived very fast, excellent price and absolutely no problem.

My point is that this was my only overseas online (or otherwise) use of that card this year and, I think, ever. I've only bought from a Hong Kong based company once before Lik-sang - last order made just before they folded.

I'm not going to jump to any conclusions. In this hi-tech world there are all sorts of other possible alternatives. However, if you were starting an investigation into a fraud like this where would somebody with any sense start looking first?

What might be interesting/helpful is hearing from anybody else here who has used Play-Asia recently (lets say - this year) and suffered a CC fraud some time afterwards. It would also be even more interesting if any of those frauds included Strawberry Ltd. If anyone knows anything else about that compnay it might be useful info too.

I repeat I am not accusing Play-Asia of being involved in any way. However if there's a chance that CC info supplied when ordering from them has been intercepted in some way is it not right that the possibility of this having occurred is, at least, considered?

[jimmbob]

Both play asia and Lik Sang are Hong Kong based. Could it be from Lik Sang? Or has the card you used with them expired?

[On The Edge of Insanity]

Well Strawberry Ltd is a Beauty care retailer and is apparantly a member of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association

http://www.strawberrynet.com/

[Swallow]

It's not their fault that someone used fraudulent details with them. Doubt there's anything they can do, tbh.

[fallenangle]

No I certainly wasn't accusing Strawberry Ltd of anything. However, if other people had their CC details used fraudulently to order from them and they'd also previously placed a recent order with Play-Asia that might be of some significance.

I doubt I'm ever going to find out how my card details were obtained but I hate being in the dark about how and where it was done. It makes you suspicious of everybody.

The speed the fraud was picked up by my CC provider suggests they know more than their telling me but whether it's financially worth their while pursuing I guess not. They probably prefer to close any holes quietly without any untoward publicity regarding compromised card security.

In the meantime us honest users worry about having their accounts hacked again and getting shafted from all sides. We all pay for these frauds, the frauds cause us most of the hassle and if the CC provider can prove we did something to enable the fraud to take place we risk being made to pick up the full bill. It makes me mad.

[toythatkills]

Just because the fraud was comitted in Hong Kong means little, the card details were probably stolen in the UK. Very little credit card fraud is actually commited *in* the UK, it's just UK customers that are the victims.

[EJG1980]

I usually place a couple of orders a month with Play Asia and I haven't been hit by fraud yet... although I've probably just jinxed it now

I expect the Hong Kong connection has got nowt to do with it, like the post above says, your details probably got lifted right here in th UK.

[fallenangle]

In fact I'm coming to that conclusion myself. The Hong Kong link was probably just a weird coincidence. The reason I think this is that one other item on my statement I missed initially and was not spotted as dodgy by the CC provider either (and I'll have to get removed) is for WP-Stagecoach Serv, Stockport. Only a small amount that's why it didn't stand out but it doesn't seem to relate to anything I've bought online or not.

I Googled it not expecting much but the first link was with a forum where a guy was asking about fraudulent transactions on his CC featuring that name on his statement. Somebody there suggested it was a site used to top up mobiles. Anyone here know if this is correct?

If this is a UK thing because of the dates/limited use my card in the last 6 months details can only have been obtained from 5 different places. Two online and so less likely, three high street. A skimming job now looks the more probable and in that case my suspicion swaps back to what was my initial choice before I learned of the HK connection.

Unfortunately that is another gaming related company.

BTW I've actually tried contacting Strawberry Ltd to see if they'll give me or the CC provider the details/delivery address. I suspect they won't but if you don't ask you don't get.

[Geezer]

I believe the small transaction could have been the thieves testing the waters so to speak. I'm pretty sure I've read of cases where they try something small on the card before going for something bigger.

[fallenangle]

Again that suggests it was UK based skimming jobby.

Strawberry Ltd have actually agreed to supply the info which will at least be interesting to know. Whether I'll be able to relate it in any way or to any place where I used the card I doubt - they'd have to be incredibly thick or over-confident to be totally locally based.

Still if I come up with something I might pass the info on but I doubt either the police or CC provider would do anything about it even then. I'll be just left with my suspicions and an unwillingness to use any form of credit/debit card in one particular local shop, maybe for no reason.

God how I hate thieves..................and grafitti...........................and cyclists - OMG I've become a grumpy old man :-)

[huxley]

Used PA for years - never had any problems, have you made any PS3 purchases? Did I recall a spate of problems with people who got stuff from the HK store?

[blueheat]

I've never had any problems with them either. Sorry to hear about this though.

[importaku]

Another long time PA user, no problems at all.

Although saying that i just know i have jinxed myself.

Wonder whats higher risk when using it? buying online or in real shops.

[fallenangle]

As said the new evidence now points to this being a UK based thing. The possibility of a HK/ Play-Asia connection, although seemingly justified, is likely to be proven incorrect. So apologies for casting any aspersions on PA.

But being a UK based fraud and, although it can't be ruled out, probably not an online one it is actually more disturbing. It means the skimming can only have occurred at one of only 3 local shops. Those are the only places I've used that card for anything in the last 6 months.

[JP]

Most credit card fraud actually happens off-line. Shops should NEVER be taking your card out of your sight to take a payment, it should always be done in full view of the card owner.

It takes a second to record the details on the magnetic strip by slipping it through a reader under the counter. Be weary of any shops who don't have everything in plain view!!

Once your details have been stolen they would probably be sold overseas within minutes and then used there.