Credit card exchange rate scam

Workandpay

Thanks for all your replies. I've learned a lot reading them all but I am surprised that this has been going on for so long and is so widespread without being challenged by the authorities or the media.

There has been a big stink about airside shops reclaiming VAT by asking for boarding card details but in fact people have not actually been defrauded. This is the case with this credit card issue however.

Perhaps Simon Calder will take it up, and I should complain to Santander and the FSA.

By the way, SAGA not only said there was nothing they could do but tried at first to argue that there was no problem with me paying the extra. No surprise there. Funny how in a normal purchase contract the company who sells you the goods is responsible for sorting it out - not when it comes to financial services companies obviously.

zagfles

DCC has been going for years and there've been loads of reports of dodgy retailers who convert the currency without asking (as the receipts state - you must be given the choice and consent to DCC).

ATMs often offer DCC, but I've never heard of an ATM which converts the local currency without asking you first. In fact I find it hard to believe - are you sure there wasn't an option you missed? Sometimes the options might be badly worked deliberately, like Green button to convert currency Red not to etc?

Saga_plc

Hi, AIB are aware of your issue and would like to help you. Please call them on 0800 300 555. Kind regards, David Knockton.

Workandpay

Thanks David, I'll call the number but who are the AIB? I see the number you have given me is for Saga.

PeacefulWaters

Workandpay wrote: »

Thanks David, I'll call the number but who are the AIB? I see the number you have given me is for Saga.

Allied Irish Bank.

They issue your card with Saga branding on it.

Saga_plc

Allied Irish Bank. Kind regards, David.