LONDON SCAM WARNING
 

In Britain it is quite normal for establishments to run "cash back" schemes whereby you can get cash on top or services in Supermarkets, department stores, pubs and the like.

Try not to use your Credit Card in pubs in London. There is an epidemic of cash back scams going on where you will find later on your statement that on another day you were charged an amount of like 52.80 GBP. Basically the barman keeps your number and at a later date inputs it as a 2.80 purchase and a 50 pound cash back. This happened to me several months ago and has happened since to at least three people I know.

After many months I got my money refunded and the guy is in jail (he and his cohorts have been traced to at least 500!! such charges) and the police told me that this happens all the time.

BEware!!!

Thanks for the heads-up.

Do these crooked barmen fail to give you a receipt for the real transaction?

I always save credit card receipts (and always print them from web transactions).

Seems to me that would stop this kind of thing. On the other hand, if one has had a few too many in a pub, mindfulness of receipts would probably be the least of one's concerns!

Kathy

There's something wrong here.

You do NOT get cashback on credit cards, but you can on debit cards. And most visitors to the UK do not have debit cards.

Kathy's advice is of course correct. Check and retain your receipts.

[edited for clarity]

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 04-06-2002).]

I am confused, why do you say most visitors to the UK do not have debit cards??

Because he means a UK Debit card (Switch, Visa Debit, Solo, Electron et al).

You *can* get cash back from a credit card; but, like everything else using plastic, if you don't get a receipt - it's your own fault. You can't tell me you just hand a card over and don't even look at the bill! How on earth would you sign for it?
Regards,
Alex