How dare they?

Having just spent the last two days sorting out plastic following the theft of OH's purse, it is reassuring that this is monitored. In fact the girl in NatWest said irregular transactions would be spotted by them before we even knew about it.

Having just spent the last two days sorting out plastic following the theft of OH's purse,...........

Wasn't it Tommy Cooper who said he didn't report that his wife's credit card had been stolen because the thief was spending less than she did?

Pippah, Given those circumstances I can understand your concern, but the OP and my experience was about the bank trying to ensure that unusual transactions were not as the result of a criminal act. So under those circumstances I would prefer that to happen than someone get away with fraudulently using my stolen card!

TF

Write your comments here...Tigerfish I was the OP   And my concern was for the crass comment to my Brother in Law that he was too old to be buying a computer!  He is a sensitive soul and not as experienced with such hitches as having his card refused never mind the Ageist comment by way of explanation. 

Agree the bank should take all precautions but the bank spokesperson need a little more training in how not to be condescending, bloody cheek

Certainly a very poor response from the operative on the other end of the phone. I have no problem with the refusal. I have had mine refused a couple of times when trying to buy something else after buying a smart phone. Much better than someone running up a huge bill, which I would have to sort out  if it was being used fraudulently. When I asked what prompted the refusal, they just said it was all done by computers running algorithms, that assessed unusual spending. Possibly a polite way of saying, we thought you were to old for a smart phone.

Yes unfortunate response but well done the bank in some respects. A year or so ago I was paying for a car using my debit card so I warned the bank (a well known West Yorkshire town) of the large transaction (around £17k) and was told I needen't have bothered. I did find that disconcerting, but there again I'm getting old now!

It's even worse when they go through their security checks and you can't remember half of them! 

My bank phoned me today to tell me they have noticed some unusall activity on my business card , some one had tried to top up their mobile phone for a total of £5.93, surely if someone is going to try and use your card they would make it worth it , so now the bank has canncelled my card and it will be 5 days before a new one comes through

I believe these small transactions are the ones that people don't notice but can add up to a lot across the network. Good that the bank spotted it!

1 )   A few  years  ago  when  in  my  bank  for  an  annual  "Health  Check" the  Lady  asked  if  I  ever  bought  things  on  line  and,   if  so,  using  which  card.  When  I  produced  my  credit  card  she went  a  little  paler,  shot  off  &  ten  mins  later,  re-appeared  with  a  similar  card  but  with  a  very  limited  top  figure.  I  was  told  to  use  that  on-line  but  not  to  take  it  out  with  my  other  cards  in  case  I  mixed  them  up.

2)  when  I  bought  my  latest  camper  I  told  the  bank  how  much  &  when  I  was  paying.  They  thanked  me  and  said  nevertheless,  expect  a  call  on  your  mobile  within  5  mins,  just  to  be  safe..

Was  I  worried,  offended  --  NO  just  thankful  that  they  cared  about  this  old  aged  customer  &  his  money 

Brian