Sign of Things to Come?

[doublewide]

Hi All,

Have a bit of drama from my credit card company (Chase Bank USA) and am wondering if this is going to be the norm from now on as banks close ranks and protect themselves.

Yesterday morning got an e-mail from Ancestry.com a genealogy site from which I bought a memebership. They had tried to renew my annual membership and gotten denied.

I called Chase to find out what was up and they’d denied it because it was an internet purchase outside my normal activity. No big deal, they lifed the freeze on my account and I called Ancestry to pay over the phone.

Yesterday afternoon went to Vons to buy apples and conditioner…credit card was denied twice – can I tell you how embarassing that was! I used a second card and as it was reading “approved” I said “oh, good at least that one works” trying to get a smile from the checker who was annoyed with me like I’m some criminal who can’t pay her credit card bill. Her response was “we’ll see”…as if my second card might not actually go through!

Got home, called Chase and Skippy in Fraud cleared my account AGAIN!

Last night placed an order at amazon.com. As I’m sure you all know Amazon is notorious for splitting orders. They charged my credit card for one order but got denied on the second and sent me an e-mail telling me to address the problem.

I called Chase AGAIN, they cleared my account AGAIN so I contacted Amazon to retry the card, it got denied AGAIN.

Now on my fourth call to Chase I get a woman in Fraud who tells me shes going to clear my account and raise my “clearance amount”. She won’t tell me what my limit is, which is different from my actual credit limit of 15K. She won’t tell me what factors trigger this kind of freeze. All she will tell me over and over is that the bank has to protect itself from fraud and by telling me the triggers and limits she’d be giving up security information that protects the bank. In the mean time I can’t use the card because I can’t trust it will work when I need it.

We use credit for all purchases because it earns us points then pay off the bill in full every month averaging about 3K/mo. They are now going to lose the fees off my 36K/year because I’m going to switch to another credit card we have. Granted that amounts to a drop in the bucket to them but doesn’t it defeat the purpose of being a bank if you cause your credit card to become unreliable to the point people stop using it. I’ve already told all friends and family of my experience and they are all on guard now about using their Chase accounts.

Is this the new age of credit in America. Do you all think the banks will start doing this? Do you think Am Ex will be the way to go in the future as they seem to have different guidelines for repayment (don’t they expect payment in full every month?) and possibly less exposure to fraud?

I’ve been a Chase customer since 1991 and have ALWAYS been the perfect customer…to be denied in the grocery store was embarassing but the conversation I had with Chase just now about arbitrary clearance limits and random factors that will freeze your account is just maddening.

Why won’t Chase let me spend money??? Here I am trying to stimulate the economy and they’re trying to limit the amount I can spend!!! Should I call Ben Bernanke and tell him Chase won’t let me buy things???

Thanks for letting me vent…would like to hear if you all think I just got some bad customer service from Chase or if this is going to be a trend in credit card servicing while banks try to reduce their exposure to loss/fraud.

Doublewide

[jennyo]

I have had this problem with Chase too, about a year ago. I think it’s just them. I was in Nordstrom and made purchases from two different departments in the store. The first went through and the second was denied. I got the same story from them about fraud and they were just trying to protect me and whatnot, but it was very annoying and I cancelled the card (for this reason and because they kept sending me “checks” even though I had asked them repeatedly, in writing and over the phone, to not send the checks). I have not had this problem from any other credit card company.

[svelte]

This happened to me with Chase also a few years ago. After checking out w/over $400 of groceries, card denied. We went over to the side, frozen and refrigerated products thawing, and got the same story from Chase…fraud protection, etc. and said that we normally don’t spend that much at the grocery store.

That set me off, because we DO normally buy that much at the grocery store! (we don’t shop often) On their card!

I think everybody in the store could hear me scream into the phone that if it ever happened again at that grocery store, i would chop their card up into little tiny pieces and they’d never see another penny out of me.

Haven’t had a problem since then.

[svelte]

This happened to me with Chase also a few years ago. After checking out w/over $400 of groceries, card denied. We went over to the side, frozen and refrigerated products thawing, and got the same story from Chase…fraud protection, etc. and said that we normally don’t spend that much at the grocery store.

That set me off, because we DO normally buy that much at the grocery store! (we don’t shop often) On their card!

I think everybody in the store could hear me scream into the phone that if it ever happened again at that grocery store, i would chop their card up into little tiny pieces and they’d never see another penny out of me.

Haven’t had a problem since then.

[svelte]

This happened to me with Chase also a few years ago. After checking out w/over $400 of groceries, card denied. We went over to the side, frozen and refrigerated products thawing, and got the same story from Chase…fraud protection, etc. and said that we normally don’t spend that much at the grocery store.

That set me off, because we DO normally buy that much at the grocery store! (we don’t shop often) On their card!

I think everybody in the store could hear me scream into the phone that if it ever happened again at that grocery store, i would chop their card up into little tiny pieces and they’d never see another penny out of me.

Haven’t had a problem since then.

[svelte]

This happened to me with Chase also a few years ago. After checking out w/over $400 of groceries, card denied. We went over to the side, frozen and refrigerated products thawing, and got the same story from Chase…fraud protection, etc. and said that we normally don’t spend that much at the grocery store.

That set me off, because we DO normally buy that much at the grocery store! (we don’t shop often) On their card!

I think everybody in the store could hear me scream into the phone that if it ever happened again at that grocery store, i would chop their card up into little tiny pieces and they’d never see another penny out of me.

Haven’t had a problem since then.

[svelte]

This happened to me with Chase also a few years ago. After checking out w/over $400 of groceries, card denied. We went over to the side, frozen and refrigerated products thawing, and got the same story from Chase…fraud protection, etc. and said that we normally don’t spend that much at the grocery store.

That set me off, because we DO normally buy that much at the grocery store! (we don’t shop often) On their card!

I think everybody in the store could hear me scream into the phone that if it ever happened again at that grocery store, i would chop their card up into little tiny pieces and they’d never see another penny out of me.

Haven’t had a problem since then.

[jennyo]

I have had this problem with Chase too, about a year ago. I think it’s just them. I was in Nordstrom and made purchases from two different departments in the store. The first went through and the second was denied. I got the same story from them about fraud and they were just trying to protect me and whatnot, but it was very annoying and I cancelled the card (for this reason and because they kept sending me “checks” even though I had asked them repeatedly, in writing and over the phone, to not send the checks). I have not had this problem from any other credit card company.

[jennyo]

I have had this problem with Chase too, about a year ago. I think it’s just them. I was in Nordstrom and made purchases from two different departments in the store. The first went through and the second was denied. I got the same story from them about fraud and they were just trying to protect me and whatnot, but it was very annoying and I cancelled the card (for this reason and because they kept sending me “checks” even though I had asked them repeatedly, in writing and over the phone, to not send the checks). I have not had this problem from any other credit card company.

[jennyo]

I have had this problem with Chase too, about a year ago. I think it’s just them. I was in Nordstrom and made purchases from two different departments in the store. The first went through and the second was denied. I got the same story from them about fraud and they were just trying to protect me and whatnot, but it was very annoying and I cancelled the card (for this reason and because they kept sending me “checks” even though I had asked them repeatedly, in writing and over the phone, to not send the checks). I have not had this problem from any other credit card company.

[jennyo]

I have had this problem with Chase too, about a year ago. I think it’s just them. I was in Nordstrom and made purchases from two different departments in the store. The first went through and the second was denied. I got the same story from them about fraud and they were just trying to protect me and whatnot, but it was very annoying and I cancelled the card (for this reason and because they kept sending me “checks” even though I had asked them repeatedly, in writing and over the phone, to not send the checks). I have not had this problem from any other credit card company.

[jpinpb]

I know it’s an embarrassment and annoyance when they do that, but in reality, you should be thankful.

2 months ago I get a call from my credit card fraud protection services. “Hi. Have you used our card today?”
“Yes, at the coffee shop.” “Anywhere else?” “NO.” “Do you have your card with you?” “Yes.”

Apparently, somehow, some way, someone got a hold of my number. They tried to make a $1,500 purchase …. at Walmart…. in Pennsylvania!!!!!

I was pissed. They cancelled my card. Issued another which I didn’t get for 3 weeks. Hassle. But I was grateful that they were on top of it.

Obviously, since I’m in San Diego and made a purchase that morning, they probably thought something was up when they got an attempted purchase in Pennsylvania, plus I never shop at Walmart, so that was another red flag.

Even though it was averted, still startling that an attempt to use my card was made when I am so overly cautious w/it. I really even limit my internet purchases. Rare occasion.

I heard from a cop about some fraud credit card use in La Jolla. Apparently some guy left his card at a bar downtown. Card got sold and used by some lowlife’s on a shopping spree in LJ.

Be happy that they’re watching your credit card activity.

[sd-maybe]

jpinpb, good catch on their part and most people would agree in your case it is a clear cut red flag since you can’t be in a coffee shop in SD and Walmart in PA at the same time. But for some people they seem to be going way overboard (locking the card because of purchases in 2 separate departments in the same department store).

[jpinpb]

After what happened, and really, I hear so many stories and I think oh, it’ll never happen to me, and when it did, I have to say, I’d rather they go overboard. Your credit is something you need to be watchful over, especially now w/the standards being tightened. You don’t want any marks or taint. There is rampant fraud going on.

The way I see it, if I had a stolen credit card, I’d first try to make one purchase and if it worked in, say, shoe department, well, then, I’ll see if it works in the electronic department. That’s a typical thing that happens, so I can see why they were alerted. It gets “tested” in one deparment and if it works, gets used again in another department.

[doublewide]

jpinpb, I hear ya, which is why I understood why they denied the charge from Ancestry.com and was fine with that, but the subsequent deninals with in 12 hours from Amazon and Vons both of which we buy from frequently was out of line, especially after I’d contacted them and they’d said the freeze was lifted.

Guess they just have bad customer service? It’s just odd because I’ve been a card holder for 17 years now and this is the first this has happend and the first I’ve ever heard of “triggers” and “clearance limits”.

Doublewide

[sd-maybe]

Who knows what their secret algorithm is. They probably have a built up an entire consumer profile on you- your favorite restaurants, your areas of interest (Computer stuff,electronics,audio/video, home improvement)– and a certain deviation from your normal pattern will trigger a fraud alert. Of course in your case the alert triggered even at places you frequent often. Strange.

[svelte]

Tis true it is a good thing they keep an eye out…they just need to improve their algorithm.

We go to that store every 5 weeks and spend that amount of money each time. Nothing suspicious about it.

Now, when we go on vacation, we do call them and give them a heads-up they will be seeing unusual transactions in unusual locations.

We are trying to meet them half way, and minimize denials at the same time.

[svelte]

Tis true it is a good thing they keep an eye out…they just need to improve their algorithm.

We go to that store every 5 weeks and spend that amount of money each time. Nothing suspicious about it.

Now, when we go on vacation, we do call them and give them a heads-up they will be seeing unusual transactions in unusual locations.

We are trying to meet them half way, and minimize denials at the same time.

[svelte]

Tis true it is a good thing they keep an eye out…they just need to improve their algorithm.

We go to that store every 5 weeks and spend that amount of money each time. Nothing suspicious about it.

Now, when we go on vacation, we do call them and give them a heads-up they will be seeing unusual transactions in unusual locations.

We are trying to meet them half way, and minimize denials at the same time.

[svelte]

Tis true it is a good thing they keep an eye out…they just need to improve their algorithm.

We go to that store every 5 weeks and spend that amount of money each time. Nothing suspicious about it.

Now, when we go on vacation, we do call them and give them a heads-up they will be seeing unusual transactions in unusual locations.

We are trying to meet them half way, and minimize denials at the same time.

[svelte]

Tis true it is a good thing they keep an eye out…they just need to improve their algorithm.

We go to that store every 5 weeks and spend that amount of money each time. Nothing suspicious about it.

Now, when we go on vacation, we do call them and give them a heads-up they will be seeing unusual transactions in unusual locations.

We are trying to meet them half way, and minimize denials at the same time.

[nostradamus]

I haven’t had any issues with AmEx and have grown quite confident using this card (knock on wood). I’ve used it here in SD, all over the u.s., in the middle east, in Africa, China, Europe, Central and South America, and of course on the internet… Never once was it declined. Once in L.A. there was a fraud attempt on my account: I used the card in a restaurant and within *minutes* of my food purchase there was an attempt to buy $10,000 worth of movie making equipment… It was easy to track it to the restaurant employees (so much for their budding film career).

Amex also earns points.

[Aecetia]

I also used a Chase check (o%), why not use their money? Within less than an hour they were calling me at home to see if I had cashed one. I was glad they were so vigilant, but of course I was not at the grocery store. I think they are trying to protect their customers.

[doublewide]

Thanks all for your responses..

Guess I just had a mega bad day with Chase. Lesson learned, switching to our Citi Card and applying for an
Am Ex. I’ll lock the Chase away in the fire safe for emergencies but after the last 12 hours and 4 phone calls I can’t trust their card to work! Bozos!

Svelte, you cracked me up with your story…wish I’d thought to “have words” with Chase right then and there so Miss Snipity the Checker Chick could have wiped that smug look off her face!

Doublewide

[doublewide]

Thanks all for your responses..

Guess I just had a mega bad day with Chase. Lesson learned, switching to our Citi Card and applying for an
Am Ex. I’ll lock the Chase away in the fire safe for emergencies but after the last 12 hours and 4 phone calls I can’t trust their card to work! Bozos!

Svelte, you cracked me up with your story…wish I’d thought to “have words” with Chase right then and there so Miss Snipity the Checker Chick could have wiped that smug look off her face!

Doublewide

[doublewide]

Thanks all for your responses..

Guess I just had a mega bad day with Chase. Lesson learned, switching to our Citi Card and applying for an
Am Ex. I’ll lock the Chase away in the fire safe for emergencies but after the last 12 hours and 4 phone calls I can’t trust their card to work! Bozos!

Svelte, you cracked me up with your story…wish I’d thought to “have words” with Chase right then and there so Miss Snipity the Checker Chick could have wiped that smug look off her face!

Doublewide

[doublewide]

Thanks all for your responses..

Guess I just had a mega bad day with Chase. Lesson learned, switching to our Citi Card and applying for an
Am Ex. I’ll lock the Chase away in the fire safe for emergencies but after the last 12 hours and 4 phone calls I can’t trust their card to work! Bozos!

Svelte, you cracked me up with your story…wish I’d thought to “have words” with Chase right then and there so Miss Snipity the Checker Chick could have wiped that smug look off her face!

Doublewide

[doublewide]

Thanks all for your responses..

Guess I just had a mega bad day with Chase. Lesson learned, switching to our Citi Card and applying for an
Am Ex. I’ll lock the Chase away in the fire safe for emergencies but after the last 12 hours and 4 phone calls I can’t trust their card to work! Bozos!

Svelte, you cracked me up with your story…wish I’d thought to “have words” with Chase right then and there so Miss Snipity the Checker Chick could have wiped that smug look off her face!

Doublewide

[Aecetia]

I also used a Chase check (o%), why not use their money? Within less than an hour they were calling me at home to see if I had cashed one. I was glad they were so vigilant, but of course I was not at the grocery store. I think they are trying to protect their customers.

[Aecetia]

I also used a Chase check (o%), why not use their money? Within less than an hour they were calling me at home to see if I had cashed one. I was glad they were so vigilant, but of course I was not at the grocery store. I think they are trying to protect their customers.

[Aecetia]

I also used a Chase check (o%), why not use their money? Within less than an hour they were calling me at home to see if I had cashed one. I was glad they were so vigilant, but of course I was not at the grocery store. I think they are trying to protect their customers.

[Aecetia]

I also used a Chase check (o%), why not use their money? Within less than an hour they were calling me at home to see if I had cashed one. I was glad they were so vigilant, but of course I was not at the grocery store. I think they are trying to protect their customers.

[nostradamus]

I haven’t had any issues with AmEx and have grown quite confident using this card (knock on wood). I’ve used it here in SD, all over the u.s., in the middle east, in Africa, China, Europe, Central and South America, and of course on the internet… Never once was it declined. Once in L.A. there was a fraud attempt on my account: I used the card in a restaurant and within *minutes* of my food purchase there was an attempt to buy $10,000 worth of movie making equipment… It was easy to track it to the restaurant employees (so much for their budding film career).

Amex also earns points.

[nostradamus]

I haven’t had any issues with AmEx and have grown quite confident using this card (knock on wood). I’ve used it here in SD, all over the u.s., in the middle east, in Africa, China, Europe, Central and South America, and of course on the internet… Never once was it declined. Once in L.A. there was a fraud attempt on my account: I used the card in a restaurant and within *minutes* of my food purchase there was an attempt to buy $10,000 worth of movie making equipment… It was easy to track it to the restaurant employees (so much for their budding film career).

Amex also earns points.

[nostradamus]

I haven’t had any issues with AmEx and have grown quite confident using this card (knock on wood). I’ve used it here in SD, all over the u.s., in the middle east, in Africa, China, Europe, Central and South America, and of course on the internet… Never once was it declined. Once in L.A. there was a fraud attempt on my account: I used the card in a restaurant and within *minutes* of my food purchase there was an attempt to buy $10,000 worth of movie making equipment… It was easy to track it to the restaurant employees (so much for their budding film career).

Amex also earns points.

[nostradamus]

I haven’t had any issues with AmEx and have grown quite confident using this card (knock on wood). I’ve used it here in SD, all over the u.s., in the middle east, in Africa, China, Europe, Central and South America, and of course on the internet… Never once was it declined. Once in L.A. there was a fraud attempt on my account: I used the card in a restaurant and within *minutes* of my food purchase there was an attempt to buy $10,000 worth of movie making equipment… It was easy to track it to the restaurant employees (so much for their budding film career).

Amex also earns points.

[sd-maybe]

Who knows what their secret algorithm is. They probably have a built up an entire consumer profile on you- your favorite restaurants, your areas of interest (Computer stuff,electronics,audio/video, home improvement)– and a certain deviation from your normal pattern will trigger a fraud alert. Of course in your case the alert triggered even at places you frequent often. Strange.

[sd-maybe]

Who knows what their secret algorithm is. They probably have a built up an entire consumer profile on you- your favorite restaurants, your areas of interest (Computer stuff,electronics,audio/video, home improvement)– and a certain deviation from your normal pattern will trigger a fraud alert. Of course in your case the alert triggered even at places you frequent often. Strange.

[sd-maybe]

Who knows what their secret algorithm is. They probably have a built up an entire consumer profile on you- your favorite restaurants, your areas of interest (Computer stuff,electronics,audio/video, home improvement)– and a certain deviation from your normal pattern will trigger a fraud alert. Of course in your case the alert triggered even at places you frequent often. Strange.

[sd-maybe]

Who knows what their secret algorithm is. They probably have a built up an entire consumer profile on you- your favorite restaurants, your areas of interest (Computer stuff,electronics,audio/video, home improvement)– and a certain deviation from your normal pattern will trigger a fraud alert. Of course in your case the alert triggered even at places you frequent often. Strange.

[zzz]

doublewide- you should probably call their fraud department and ask to speak to a manager….find out why you’re suddenly having these issues and how it can be resolved.

i have used Chase for over 10 years for pts and like you, pay off the balance every month. i use my card for everything and have had the numbers stolen – card in my possession – no less than 5 times. they have called me over the years as i’m traveling to question charges that were not mine, and when the numbers have been stolen, they cancel my card and overnight one to me wherever i am. i have found their customer service actually to be quite good.

i agree with jpinpb – identity theft is rampant. just be glad they are on the overbearing side – the hassle of not being able to use your card several times recently is a lot better than the hours and weeks you’ll spend if you’re the victim of identity theft.

[zzz]

doublewide- you should probably call their fraud department and ask to speak to a manager….find out why you’re suddenly having these issues and how it can be resolved.

i have used Chase for over 10 years for pts and like you, pay off the balance every month. i use my card for everything and have had the numbers stolen – card in my possession – no less than 5 times. they have called me over the years as i’m traveling to question charges that were not mine, and when the numbers have been stolen, they cancel my card and overnight one to me wherever i am. i have found their customer service actually to be quite good.

i agree with jpinpb – identity theft is rampant. just be glad they are on the overbearing side – the hassle of not being able to use your card several times recently is a lot better than the hours and weeks you’ll spend if you’re the victim of identity theft.

[zzz]

doublewide- you should probably call their fraud department and ask to speak to a manager….find out why you’re suddenly having these issues and how it can be resolved.

i have used Chase for over 10 years for pts and like you, pay off the balance every month. i use my card for everything and have had the numbers stolen – card in my possession – no less than 5 times. they have called me over the years as i’m traveling to question charges that were not mine, and when the numbers have been stolen, they cancel my card and overnight one to me wherever i am. i have found their customer service actually to be quite good.

i agree with jpinpb – identity theft is rampant. just be glad they are on the overbearing side – the hassle of not being able to use your card several times recently is a lot better than the hours and weeks you’ll spend if you’re the victim of identity theft.

[zzz]

doublewide- you should probably call their fraud department and ask to speak to a manager….find out why you’re suddenly having these issues and how it can be resolved.

i have used Chase for over 10 years for pts and like you, pay off the balance every month. i use my card for everything and have had the numbers stolen – card in my possession – no less than 5 times. they have called me over the years as i’m traveling to question charges that were not mine, and when the numbers have been stolen, they cancel my card and overnight one to me wherever i am. i have found their customer service actually to be quite good.

i agree with jpinpb – identity theft is rampant. just be glad they are on the overbearing side – the hassle of not being able to use your card several times recently is a lot better than the hours and weeks you’ll spend if you’re the victim of identity theft.

[zzz]

doublewide- you should probably call their fraud department and ask to speak to a manager….find out why you’re suddenly having these issues and how it can be resolved.

i have used Chase for over 10 years for pts and like you, pay off the balance every month. i use my card for everything and have had the numbers stolen – card in my possession – no less than 5 times. they have called me over the years as i’m traveling to question charges that were not mine, and when the numbers have been stolen, they cancel my card and overnight one to me wherever i am. i have found their customer service actually to be quite good.

i agree with jpinpb – identity theft is rampant. just be glad they are on the overbearing side – the hassle of not being able to use your card several times recently is a lot better than the hours and weeks you’ll spend if you’re the victim of identity theft.

[doublewide]

jpinpb, I hear ya, which is why I understood why they denied the charge from Ancestry.com and was fine with that, but the subsequent deninals with in 12 hours from Amazon and Vons both of which we buy from frequently was out of line, especially after I’d contacted them and they’d said the freeze was lifted.

Guess they just have bad customer service? It’s just odd because I’ve been a card holder for 17 years now and this is the first this has happend and the first I’ve ever heard of “triggers” and “clearance limits”.

Doublewide

[doublewide]

jpinpb, I hear ya, which is why I understood why they denied the charge from Ancestry.com and was fine with that, but the subsequent deninals with in 12 hours from Amazon and Vons both of which we buy from frequently was out of line, especially after I’d contacted them and they’d said the freeze was lifted.

Guess they just have bad customer service? It’s just odd because I’ve been a card holder for 17 years now and this is the first this has happend and the first I’ve ever heard of “triggers” and “clearance limits”.

Doublewide

[doublewide]

jpinpb, I hear ya, which is why I understood why they denied the charge from Ancestry.com and was fine with that, but the subsequent deninals with in 12 hours from Amazon and Vons both of which we buy from frequently was out of line, especially after I’d contacted them and they’d said the freeze was lifted.

Guess they just have bad customer service? It’s just odd because I’ve been a card holder for 17 years now and this is the first this has happend and the first I’ve ever heard of “triggers” and “clearance limits”.

Doublewide

[doublewide]

jpinpb, I hear ya, which is why I understood why they denied the charge from Ancestry.com and was fine with that, but the subsequent deninals with in 12 hours from Amazon and Vons both of which we buy from frequently was out of line, especially after I’d contacted them and they’d said the freeze was lifted.

Guess they just have bad customer service? It’s just odd because I’ve been a card holder for 17 years now and this is the first this has happend and the first I’ve ever heard of “triggers” and “clearance limits”.

Doublewide

[jpinpb]

After what happened, and really, I hear so many stories and I think oh, it’ll never happen to me, and when it did, I have to say, I’d rather they go overboard. Your credit is something you need to be watchful over, especially now w/the standards being tightened. You don’t want any marks or taint. There is rampant fraud going on.

The way I see it, if I had a stolen credit card, I’d first try to make one purchase and if it worked in, say, shoe department, well, then, I’ll see if it works in the electronic department. That’s a typical thing that happens, so I can see why they were alerted. It gets “tested” in one deparment and if it works, gets used again in another department.

[jpinpb]

After what happened, and really, I hear so many stories and I think oh, it’ll never happen to me, and when it did, I have to say, I’d rather they go overboard. Your credit is something you need to be watchful over, especially now w/the standards being tightened. You don’t want any marks or taint. There is rampant fraud going on.

The way I see it, if I had a stolen credit card, I’d first try to make one purchase and if it worked in, say, shoe department, well, then, I’ll see if it works in the electronic department. That’s a typical thing that happens, so I can see why they were alerted. It gets “tested” in one deparment and if it works, gets used again in another department.

[jpinpb]

After what happened, and really, I hear so many stories and I think oh, it’ll never happen to me, and when it did, I have to say, I’d rather they go overboard. Your credit is something you need to be watchful over, especially now w/the standards being tightened. You don’t want any marks or taint. There is rampant fraud going on.

The way I see it, if I had a stolen credit card, I’d first try to make one purchase and if it worked in, say, shoe department, well, then, I’ll see if it works in the electronic department. That’s a typical thing that happens, so I can see why they were alerted. It gets “tested” in one deparment and if it works, gets used again in another department.

[jpinpb]

After what happened, and really, I hear so many stories and I think oh, it’ll never happen to me, and when it did, I have to say, I’d rather they go overboard. Your credit is something you need to be watchful over, especially now w/the standards being tightened. You don’t want any marks or taint. There is rampant fraud going on.

The way I see it, if I had a stolen credit card, I’d first try to make one purchase and if it worked in, say, shoe department, well, then, I’ll see if it works in the electronic department. That’s a typical thing that happens, so I can see why they were alerted. It gets “tested” in one deparment and if it works, gets used again in another department.

[sd-maybe]

jpinpb, good catch on their part and most people would agree in your case it is a clear cut red flag since you can’t be in a coffee shop in SD and Walmart in PA at the same time. But for some people they seem to be going way overboard (locking the card because of purchases in 2 separate departments in the same department store).

[sd-maybe]

jpinpb, good catch on their part and most people would agree in your case it is a clear cut red flag since you can’t be in a coffee shop in SD and Walmart in PA at the same time. But for some people they seem to be going way overboard (locking the card because of purchases in 2 separate departments in the same department store).

[sd-maybe]

jpinpb, good catch on their part and most people would agree in your case it is a clear cut red flag since you can’t be in a coffee shop in SD and Walmart in PA at the same time. But for some people they seem to be going way overboard (locking the card because of purchases in 2 separate departments in the same department store).

[sd-maybe]

jpinpb, good catch on their part and most people would agree in your case it is a clear cut red flag since you can’t be in a coffee shop in SD and Walmart in PA at the same time. But for some people they seem to be going way overboard (locking the card because of purchases in 2 separate departments in the same department store).

[jpinpb]

I know it’s an embarrassment and annoyance when they do that, but in reality, you should be thankful.

2 months ago I get a call from my credit card fraud protection services. “Hi. Have you used our card today?”
“Yes, at the coffee shop.” “Anywhere else?” “NO.” “Do you have your card with you?” “Yes.”

Apparently, somehow, some way, someone got a hold of my number. They tried to make a $1,500 purchase …. at Walmart…. in Pennsylvania!!!!!

I was pissed. They cancelled my card. Issued another which I didn’t get for 3 weeks. Hassle. But I was grateful that they were on top of it.

Obviously, since I’m in San Diego and made a purchase that morning, they probably thought something was up when they got an attempted purchase in Pennsylvania, plus I never shop at Walmart, so that was another red flag.

Even though it was averted, still startling that an attempt to use my card was made when I am so overly cautious w/it. I really even limit my internet purchases. Rare occasion.

I heard from a cop about some fraud credit card use in La Jolla. Apparently some guy left his card at a bar downtown. Card got sold and used by some lowlife’s on a shopping spree in LJ.

Be happy that they’re watching your credit card activity.

[jpinpb]

I know it’s an embarrassment and annoyance when they do that, but in reality, you should be thankful.

2 months ago I get a call from my credit card fraud protection services. “Hi. Have you used our card today?”
“Yes, at the coffee shop.” “Anywhere else?” “NO.” “Do you have your card with you?” “Yes.”

Apparently, somehow, some way, someone got a hold of my number. They tried to make a $1,500 purchase …. at Walmart…. in Pennsylvania!!!!!

I was pissed. They cancelled my card. Issued another which I didn’t get for 3 weeks. Hassle. But I was grateful that they were on top of it.

Obviously, since I’m in San Diego and made a purchase that morning, they probably thought something was up when they got an attempted purchase in Pennsylvania, plus I never shop at Walmart, so that was another red flag.

Even though it was averted, still startling that an attempt to use my card was made when I am so overly cautious w/it. I really even limit my internet purchases. Rare occasion.

I heard from a cop about some fraud credit card use in La Jolla. Apparently some guy left his card at a bar downtown. Card got sold and used by some lowlife’s on a shopping spree in LJ.

Be happy that they’re watching your credit card activity.

[jpinpb]

I know it’s an embarrassment and annoyance when they do that, but in reality, you should be thankful.

2 months ago I get a call from my credit card fraud protection services. “Hi. Have you used our card today?”
“Yes, at the coffee shop.” “Anywhere else?” “NO.” “Do you have your card with you?” “Yes.”

Apparently, somehow, some way, someone got a hold of my number. They tried to make a $1,500 purchase …. at Walmart…. in Pennsylvania!!!!!

I was pissed. They cancelled my card. Issued another which I didn’t get for 3 weeks. Hassle. But I was grateful that they were on top of it.

Obviously, since I’m in San Diego and made a purchase that morning, they probably thought something was up when they got an attempted purchase in Pennsylvania, plus I never shop at Walmart, so that was another red flag.

Even though it was averted, still startling that an attempt to use my card was made when I am so overly cautious w/it. I really even limit my internet purchases. Rare occasion.

I heard from a cop about some fraud credit card use in La Jolla. Apparently some guy left his card at a bar downtown. Card got sold and used by some lowlife’s on a shopping spree in LJ.

Be happy that they’re watching your credit card activity.

[jpinpb]

I know it’s an embarrassment and annoyance when they do that, but in reality, you should be thankful.

2 months ago I get a call from my credit card fraud protection services. “Hi. Have you used our card today?”
“Yes, at the coffee shop.” “Anywhere else?” “NO.” “Do you have your card with you?” “Yes.”

Apparently, somehow, some way, someone got a hold of my number. They tried to make a $1,500 purchase …. at Walmart…. in Pennsylvania!!!!!

I was pissed. They cancelled my card. Issued another which I didn’t get for 3 weeks. Hassle. But I was grateful that they were on top of it.

Obviously, since I’m in San Diego and made a purchase that morning, they probably thought something was up when they got an attempted purchase in Pennsylvania, plus I never shop at Walmart, so that was another red flag.

Even though it was averted, still startling that an attempt to use my card was made when I am so overly cautious w/it. I really even limit my internet purchases. Rare occasion.

I heard from a cop about some fraud credit card use in La Jolla. Apparently some guy left his card at a bar downtown. Card got sold and used by some lowlife’s on a shopping spree in LJ.

Be happy that they’re watching your credit card activity.

[Author]

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