Overseas Credit Cards and Finances while in HK

[tiger94121]

To all the folks who are living in HK and still keeping their credit card accounts open overseas (e.g., US based credit cards).

Has anyone experienced fraud, or identity theft?

Thankfully, have not encountered yet, but a sobering fact is a colleague just encountered this. More and more friends I know also have been targets as well.

For a work contract for a few years in HK, closing the overseas accounts don't seem to be worth it, as it could potentially look bad on the credit score. However, I realize that taking proactive steps to prevent any fraud that may occur as a result of not being present in the country can be a smart move.

Any advice or experience from any of the other members out there?

Has anyone locked their account with Experian or any other US based credit scoring companies? I hear that it can be a pain to reopen to apply for new credit.

[pin]

keep an eye on your cc statements? if you suspect fraud, contact your oversea's cc company?

or just don't use your overseas cc in hk?

pretty simple i would think.

[dragon1628]

I totally understand your concern, as I have encountered fraud before on my cc. What I keep doing is that I keep checking my balance constantly online. This would be a good prevention for suspicious activities. Other thing that I have done is that I have asked my cc company to stop mailing access check to me.

[Jon.E.Kong]

I use my Canadian cc here all the time. The statements get sent to my parents place in Canada (even though I personally requested no paper bills, they said it's law to send them somewhere)

I check the balance online at least once a week.

Also I call VISA and tell them when I come and go from Hong Kong and where I will be. It may also be possible to request a lower credit limit while you are out of the country, not sure if they allow this.

Only now that I am about to leave HK has my HSBC credit card application been approved.

[PDLM]

I use my Canadian cc here all the time. The statements get sent to my parents place in Canada (even though I personally requested no paper bills, they said it's law to send them somewhere)

Why would you not have them sent to you in Hong Kong? That's what I do for all my UK banking and credit cards.

[jayinhongkong]

In the US, people can also open credit cards under your name if they have your social. They can even work under your name in your absence! You don't even have to be outside the US for either of the above to occur.

[Jon.E.Kong]

Why would you not have them sent to you in Hong Kong? That's what I do for all my UK banking and credit cards.

I don't actually need them, and my online statement is ready about 2 weeks before they would get here anyway.