Cloned

Got a text message from Virgin yesterday suggesting that my credit card had shown some 'unusual' spending and could I please get in touch. I did so and it would appear that some sneaky bastard fuck of an Australian has, at some point, cloned the thing. Fortunately, the amounts involved are not huge (~200 quid) and I have zero liability for the fraudulent transactions. Apparently, I purchased some stuff in a Home Depot somewhere in the American mid-west yesterday, whilst at the same time purchasing some confectionery in York, England (both very hard to do when you're in Sydney, Australia at the time) and placing an order on the Internet to a company called Marlo (sounds like a 1970's porn star), whoever they are.

The funniest thing was that they guy at the bank was reading the list of dubious transactions to me and highlighted one for "BP in St Helens". I had to laugh - it would seem that scousers are trusted nowhere on the planet! As it happens, that was a perfectly legitimate spend, this particular St Helens being in North East Tasmania.

Full marks to Virgin - problem identified and rectified within 2 hours. Of course, the card has been cancelled which means I'm without, but it doesn't really cause me any problem. I've still got a couple of bank accounts to pilfer. In any event, it's not like I'm going to be without it long as Ali is coming to Hong Kong next week to meet us on our way home so can bring the replacement with her. Contact her to place your orders for contraband...

S'funny about the card incident really - just the other day I was reading Phil's post about his being cloned and thought at the time I was probably in a minority having had the things for 18 years now and never a problem. Oh well. I'm far too relaxed for it to even register on the radar.

Once again, I've ducked out of cricket today (our new mate Giles swapped some dosh for my ticket last night) to go wandering. Spent the morning chilling out around Darling Harbour prior to taking a water taxi round under the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House. Very nice lunch on Circular Quay (I heartily recommend a glass or two of New Zealand Bay Hill Chardonnay by the way) then a wander back up through the botanic gardens and the NSW State Library, which presently has an exhibition running dedicated to those silly sods who, having been sent here (for free!) from England decided to try and escape. Fools.

Tonight is dinner with Sue & Bob Barter so I'd better go put my posh frock on. Can't be having the clients thinking I'm a scruff now can we? Oh hang on. They already know this to be true. Ripped jeans and t-shirt it is then...