Fraudulent transactions on your Tesco credit card

MoleCatcher_2

If you use your Tesco credit card when travelling please make sure you have an alternative method to pay any bills you may incur.

Why?

Tesco uses a fraud detection system which will automatically put a block on a credit card if it thinks there's been a fraudulent transaction

However, Tesco's Fraud Department is only open between 8am and 8pm, UK time. So, if the block is placed on your card outside these times, as might happen if you are travelling abroad, you won't be able to get your card unblocked until the Fraud Department reopens.

To paraphrase their Customer Services Manager "Sorry, but that's the way it is".

Tony

P.S. I'll find out tomorrow why my credit card was blocked and post details here!

mynameistallulah

Did you not advise them you were going away before you went?

Mulder00

This is not something specific to Tesco credit cards, all credit cards do this, just the way differs from company to company.

Buzby

Having used credit cards since 1978, a good rule of thumb is take more than one! Whether it's the card co not answering or a meltdown on the servers, I have never trusted a single solution, and have thanked this policy on 6 occasions when abroad. A Visa and a M/c will usually ensure full redundancy - and relying on a single card is just asking for trouble!

VfM4meplse

MoleCatcher wrote: »

To paraphrase their Customer Services Manager "Sorry, but that's the way it is".

I'm a little surprised that there isn't a 24-hr emergency line so you're not left high and dry.

reclusive46

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I'm a little surprised that there isn't a 24-hr emergency line so you're not left high and dry.

A few do, American Express for example is fully operationally at all times, you might just end up with an American Call centre or Australian at certain times. They can still do all the same services. (Ie. Unblock card, although I've never had my Amex card blocked abroad.)

MoleCatcher_2

mynameistallulah wrote: »

Did you not advise them you were going away before you went?

I was at home when I found out about the closure times of the Fraud Department. So I didn't have a serious problem.

But, I would ask you to consider the following. Telling Tesco that I am going away will tell them that my transactions will be from a different location. But I would sincerely hope that they will still continue to check for fraudulent activities on my card.

Which could still leave me in a situation with a blocked credit card and no way to get it unblocked.

Tony

reclusive46

mynameistallulah wrote: »

Did you not advise them you were going away before you went?

All Tesco do is leave a note on the account, telling them doesn't make any difference to the automated authorisation system.

Plxply

reclusive46 wrote: »

All Tesco do is leave a note on the account, telling them doesn't make any difference to the automated authorisation system.

It depends on the bank, I know some actually have updated fraud systems where the costumer service rep can add a special marker onto the account when the transaction is fraud scored although the majority will just literally type a note. Which is rather unfortunate as you don't want to be left with a cancelled card, although I always recommend taking at least 2 cards and cash.

reclusive46

Plxply wrote: »

It depends on the bank, I know some actually have updated fraud systems where the costumer service rep can add a special marker onto the account when the transaction is fraud scored although the majority will just literally type a note. Which is rather unfortunate as you don't want to be left with a cancelled card, although I always recommend taking at least 2 cards and cash.

Indeed, but I was specifically referring to Tesco as they do just leave a note. MBNA do seem to put a marker on.

MoleCatcher_2

I spoke to Tesco's Fraud Department today.

It transpires that I was given incorrect information when I was told that the Fraud Department is closed from 8pm to 8am.

The main department is closed during these hours, but there are still representatives available to deal with out-of-hours fraud-related questions and blocked cards