Twisted Kites

The last few days I have been trying to buy a little camera from the internet. Not a big challenge is it.

My first order was declined. How annoying, surely I can’t be overdrawn! Checked the online banking, plenty of funds as I’d thought. Went back onto the website and re-entered card details (in case I’d mis-typed a digit or something), re-submit order.

Again declined. Fair enough, must be a site problem so tried a different one. Got an email from that site saying they’re ‘having dificulties’ processing payment.

Looks like a bank fault then, oh dear… double checked the statement, funds still there. Oh no I thought, it’s call centre time. Not the best way to spend my lunch break sat on the back of a sweltering coach near Piccadilly in Manchester (engines have to be off so so does the cold air!) calling the Lloyds TSB call centre (sounds Welsh, a bit easier to communicate than the Mumbai ones, isn’t it boyo) for 20 odd minutes. Guess it could have been worse.

Turns out they did a security check and put a fraud block, which has now apparently been lifted (hopefully). No idea why as there was no fraud taking place, I keep my details secure all the time. And it’s not like I’m a stranger to either internet shopping or simply paying by card in shops (I’m like royalty, never carry much money).

That itself is not a problem, should be glad they worry about me (or worrying about their money lol). But could they not have called me to check, or even sent me a letter (as it’s been like it a few days so plenty of time even for Royal Mail to bring one), so I could have my account ‘fixed’ as soon as possible? Would be easier than waiting for me to figure out what’s up, chase them up (and pay the call costs of course!) and finally sort it.

I’ll give it another shot later, hopefully the payment will go through. Good job I haven’t been shopping yet, having  a card declined in public for no reason will be a little embarrassing I should think.

Remember your bank seems to keep tracks on when/where and on what you spend. If you get any unusual activity (whether actual fraud or random blockages like me) phone the bank ASAP. They might not phone you. Of course I don’t need to tell you to always keep your details safe and all that…do I?

Take care folks.