My latest entry to “Things That Tick Me Off” is the new policy of credit card companies to block purchases on cards when customers simply go from state to state. We now need to call credit card companies and go through the endless series of automatic options to reach an operator to say that we are going to fly to another city on a business trip or family vacation.
Recently, credit card companies have been implementing a new policy in combatting credit card fraud by freezing cards when customers use their cards in different states. For over a year, my wife and I have found our Mastercards blocked when simply going to a neighboring state. At Christmas, Mastercard blocked both of our cards when we went to Chicago — blocking our ability to buy gas in the drive at night with the kids. Fortunately, at 10 pm in Indiana in a snow storm we had enough cash for gas and food.
As someone who has had his identity stolen, I am more than supportive of efforts to combat such fraud. However, for those of us who routinely travel, it is an incredible annoyance. When I asked Mastercard why they were doing this, the operator simply told me that it was my fault for not calling in advance to tell Mastercard when I planned to travel. I barely inform my secretary, but I am now required to call Mastercard when I cross state lines? The idea of a successful anti-fraud campaign is to find a method that does not defeat the value of the card. What I find particularly annoying is that credit card companies are still sending out free cards to anyone who is old enough to open an envelope.
Recently, I had to struggle to prove to a company that an uncle was dead when they sent him a credit card from Chase. As executor of his estate, I called and told them that he did not want the card and did not ask for the card because he was very much dead. It took four calls to try to get the company to cancel the card. I had to speak with a manager twice. They insisted that I send them a death certificate or proof of death. They were completely hostile and unwilling to terminate the card. I remind you that my uncle never asked for the card. It was a free card opened in his name by Chase.
These companies could start to combat fraud by changing their proliferation of cards with people who either did not ask for cards or have little resources to support credit cards. If all of us have to call Mastercard every time we get on a plane, many will likely rediscover the cash-based society.
I go to Vegas about once a year, and EVERY place anywhere near The Strip (coffee shops, restaurants, 7-11, etc.) asks to see a photo ID with credit card, and they ask EVERY single time. Apparently, Las Vegas is one of the top places people try to use stolen cards. Personally, I love it. I wish that would catch on everywhere else.
However, not once have I had a charge blocked. My standard, go-to card is Amex, which tends to cater to travelers more, so maybe that’s part of it. You (Turley) said you had previously experienced ID theft, so it might be that the “Anti-Fraud” settings on your account have been set higher because of that history.
Buddha writes: n re cc’s. By your reaction I am thinking that post did not work as intended. Please re-read with as much sarcasm as you can muster without becoming ill. If it still doesn’t work, what can I say? Not every hit is a home run.
yeah. sorry about that. I think that I fouled that one off, doll.
GWLSMom,
In re cc’s. By your reaction I am thinking that post did not work as intended. Please re-read with as much sarcasm as you can muster without becoming ill. If it still doesn’t work, what can I say? Not every hit is a home run.
GWLawSchoolMom,
“the only thing one really should not try is naked,high, fly fishing.”
Good advice no matter who you are.
GWLawSchoolMom 1, August 15, 2009 at 5:51 pm
the only thing one really should not try is naked,high, fly fishing.
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No but I have been skinny dipping in numerous area. One thing Austin does offer besides THE UNIVERSITY is clothing Optional Apartment Complexes and of course Hippie Hollow. Oh yeah. A stoners Paradise.
AY writes:
If you had asked if I had ever tried fishing High, that would be an affirmative.
I assumed you have tried fishing high. but fly fishing high is amazing.
the only thing one really should not try is naked,high, fly fishing.
GWLawSchoolMom,
have you ever tried fly fishing? i loved fly fishing when we lived near trout streams. kept the gear in the back of the jeep and we’d just drive up to the river any old time. the point wasn’t really to catch anything…. just to be away from cell phones and you know.
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If you had asked if I had ever tried fishing High, that would be an affirmative.