Urgent message to call A+L back - what's it about?

feesh

Just got home from a day's shopping, during which the one time I tried to use my A+L debit card, it was declined. However I was not concerned, as I check my bank balance every day and had at least a few hundred quid in there yesterday. Also my card does sometimes get refused for no apparent reason.

Anyway I have come home to find a message on the answering machine asking me to call someone at Alliance and Leicester as soon as possible on 0844 561 9730.

I am worried that either this is a dodgy number, which I shouldn't phone back, or that I am going to be informed that my account has been hacked into or something. They're not open until the morning and I won't sleep tonight now.

I can't get into my account tonight on the computer as all my passwords are saved in my Egg money on my work PC - it doesn't work on my home Mac.

123oleary

well google the number to find out if its genuine or take a number off a+l website - im sure theyll be able to transfer you to the right department

Anon

If it was declined they may be calling to follow up (to check that it was actually you trying to spend). If you are concerned, a trip to a cashpoint would let you check your balance. I've had this before and it has been nothing to worry about.

Anon

Kavanne

it might be a fraud call? I've had halifax call me about a few declined transactions in the past. RBS too.

feesh

It was indeed a fraud call - some nasty person in Canada had been trying to spend on my card on Friday and Saturday and A+L had stopped my card as a result. Turns out that is why they were trying to ring me!

I am REALLY pleased with Alliance and Leicester for spotting this. They only allowed one transaction through (£58 at a Canadian petrol station) which they will refund me, and stopped any more Canadian transactions (there were numerous attempts to withdraw cash using my cloned card).

Good on A+L for spotting it so very quickly and acting so promptly.

I have had friends who have had their cards cloned and it caused them no end of hassle. The only hassle for me is being without my debit card for up to 5 days now while they issue me with a new one, but I can use our joint account card instead so it's no bother at all.

I was always so careful about my PIN, but it would seem that someone has still managed to spy on me typing it in - so MAKE SURE YOU COVER THE PAD UP WHEN ENTERING YOUR PIN! And never let your card out of your sight - I am going to be a lot more assertive with retailers about this from now on.

tanith

My husbands card was cloned and was being used in India , about £3000 I think but A & L rang and asked if he was in India ? As soon as he said No I am blooming well not and I don't even have a passport they said no problem but we have stopped your card and will issue a new one.. don't worry all will be refunded to your account.... they do seem to be on the ball with this... well done A & L:T :T

lofty_cherrytree

Hi, same happened to me and the transactions stopped and card was replaced etc BUT beware, when you activate your new card they will try to scare you into purchasing identity protection at around £60 for the year.

feesh

lofty_cherrytree wrote: »

Hi, same happened to me and the transactions stopped and card was replaced etc BUT beware, when you activate your new card they will try to scare you into purchasing identity protection at around £60 for the year.

Thanks, I hate it when you ring up to supposedly 'activate' a new card and end up just getting the hard sell. :rolleyes2

But I suppose they do wish more customers were insured for this - it must be costing the banks a fortune.