Barclays left me stranded without money for food, accommodation or to get home

competitionscafe

Spent the past week hiking in Knoydart (West Coast of Scotland) and when I wanted to return home I found that Barclays had blocked my debit card due to "suspected fraudulent transactions" (I was trying to buy a train ticket online to get home!). So I was stuck somewhere remote, no mobile phone signal, no cash machine and not enough money left to pay for accomodation, food and ferry + train home. When I tried phoning them via payphone I just got put on hold so gave up as the payphone was eating my little remaining money at a rate of almost £1 per minute! :mad:

This is not the first time Barstewards bank has done this - they also blocked my debit card just before Christmas again due to "suspected fraudulent transactions" (I was doing my Christmas shopping online) leaving me without the means to buy Christmas presents and food for over Christmas. That time I discovered my card was blocked after I spent an hour at the supermarket only to get 'card refused' at the checkout and having to unpack all my shopping and give it back. :mad:

So if you wanted to get treated like a potential fraudster/criminal when you are just trying to buy groceries or order a meal at a pub then Barclays bank is the bank for you. If however you don't want to be prevented from spending your own money on essentials like food and shelter then I would suggest not using Barclays bank for your current account. Needless to say I will be going into my branch on Monday and telling them I am moving my account to another bank.

Jem8472

I would suggest having a credit card as a backup just incase something like this happens.

competitionscafe

I would if I could get one - but always used to get applications refused, possibly due to having moved several times and/or not being on the electoral register, so just gave up applying for one.

jambosans

Temporarily blocking your card due to suspicious activity/ transactions is not unique to Barclays I'm afraid. If you can't get a credit card as suggested, consider opening another bank or savings account (with ATM card) as a backup.

tripled

Why aren't you on the electoral register? It's a legal requirement... and it would help you get a credit card!

Bettie

I had the same with my bank A&L when I recently went to America. That was due to my ignorance, I thought I could take money from any Visa cash dispenser so I tried and was refused and the card blocked. Unless I inform my bank first that I am going abroad they will block the card. I managed to borrow enough from my daughter to tide me over.
Out of interest, how did you manage without money?

Rupert_Bear

If you cant get a cc then at least bank with two different banks. Then keep at least an emengency amount in one account and then if the situation arises again at least you can lay your hands on some cash.

Also please ensure you are on the electoral roll and then you can vote and help the conservatives sweek back to power. That is your priority now!

adamc260

Sounds like them, they left me stranded on the side of the road without my breakdown cover because they decided to downgrade my account without telling me

simax

Rupert_Bear wrote: »

Also please ensure you are on the electoral roll and then you can vote and help the conservatives sweek back to power. That is your priority now!

Going from one corrupt party to another? No chance!!

Lib Dem is the way forward

Debt_Free_Dreamer

Barclays seem to have gone mad. I keep getting my card refused just lately, don't have any financial problems just keep getting those automated phone calls about suspected fraud. Three phone calls this weekend! (I have more than one Barclays account)

Driving me nuts.. Missed out on a Travelodge in London cause the dam thing would not go through. Then came the suspected fraud call.

If_it_can_go_wrong

I know many people Barclaycard have done this to but this is the first I have heard of Barclays doing it on debit cards. It seems it is becoming par for the course for them now. Their flagging system is going drastically wrong somewhere. Either that or they have taken the view that they would rather inconvenience their customers than be left with possible payouts for fraudulent activity. They need to get the balance right.