scragend
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Posts posted by scragend
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Clarkson's account wasn't actually hacked as such - in that no one gained access to his online banking. I think what actually happened was that somebody just filled in a Direct Debit form for the charity (possibly on their web site so that there would be no need for a signature) and put his bank details on it.
I agree that banks are becoming a bit "too secure" - a lot of it is paranoia winning the battle against common sense. Nationwide bringing in the card reader was one of the reasons I switched away from them (the other was the removal of free card usage abroad). I used to be able check my account online at the drop of a hat wherever I was in the world - it was just too much of a pain to have to carry the card reader all the time just in case I needed it.
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[quote user="Clarkkent"]
As I said, Consumers Association is very interested in the activities of this company (which also operates in Spain - with similar practices). I do not know (yet) whether or not it operates in France. (Its name includes a precious metal - not silver.)
[/quote]
I know the company you mean - I had the misfortune to use them in Gran Canaria last year. The car looked like it had been round the block a few times, and when I got home I found they had charged my card an extra €25. I couldn't be bothered with the hassle of chasing it up so I just left it - presumably a lot of people do that and that's how they make their money!
They also operated the "buy a full tank of fuel at whatever price we want to charge you" policy - which is a rip off, but I had no complaint with that really because I was aware of it at the time of booking - the low rental price was a trade off for the fuel.
Wouldn't use them again though!
Ferry Ramsgate - Boulogne 2012
in Travelling to/from France
Posted
Mainly because it's much further on from Ramsgate to Boulogne than Dover/Calais so it might be a faster vessel but overall I reckon the trip will be longer.Also there's no motorway to Ramsgate and the A299 isn't all that quick if I remember correctlyAccording to the Euroferries web site it is only 1hr 15 mins berth to berth, so about 15 mins quicker than Dover-Calais and 45 mins quicker than Dover-Dunkerque.I would definitely be tempted if I were heading to the Somme, or to Burgundy or even to Normandy (the three places I am most likely to go to in France). It wouldn't really be any use for when I go to Belgium or Germany, for which Dunkerque is more convenient.It's something different though, so definitely worth a try.As for Ramsgate, the A299 is dual carriageway in parts (though not the last bit), but then again I don't mind that because I use the A2/M2 when I go to Dover anyway so it isn't all that much different.