Strange fraud check procedure

[Deleted User]

Bought something for £15 on the internet. The company I was buying from rang me and said the card would not go through and had I another I could use. Luckily I had, so used that.

I know the balance was well in the black so I wondered what it could be. Tried using the card in the hole in the wall, and wasn't allowed to draw cash.

I then got a text asking me to call the bank, as I was in town I just went into the branch.

In the bank I showed them my debit card and travel pass. This was good enough for the employee to ring the fraud office and pass me the phone.

The guy in the fraud office then asked me my exact balance, on telling him I did not know it he then said to ask the person in the bank to print me off a statement so that I could tell him the balance.

I told him that I did not think that was at all logical, if I had enough identification to get the balance then telling him the balance achieved nothing.

I then got a call on my mobile, same bank calling me with an automated message. Answered a few questions using the keypad, approved the last 5 items, card cleared, left the bank.

I've got no problem with checking up, but for £15 and then to be told the card could not be cleared without me telling them my balance, but they would give me a statement so I knew my balance is just ridiculous.