Fraud checks with Lloyds bank - anyone had this?

R55clubman

Backstory, tried buying some £200-£500 items.

First website 2 weeks ago, I tried got a 'fraud check' text, which I replied 'yes' (it's me using it). The card was then blocked for use! That item was timed, and I lost out on the deal.

Spent 45 minutes on the phone proving who I am, being forwarded 4 times to the right department.

Tried this week, a different website, got the same text. Same thing happened, order had low stock, thought I had lost out again. Turns out it was being held until I got the card unlocked. Another 25 minutes on hold, but end result I got what I wanted! Finally.

Last night, £25 for a game code, new website again. Tried the code in steam, it's invalid. Company emails me saying my card is blocked. Didn't get any fraud texts/emails this time. So now today, the chore of proving my identity starts all over.

I love that Lloyds are being safe but... Seriously this is taking the biscuit. I am tempted to leave them if this keeps happening.

What can I do but waste my time ringing them?...:(

HappyMJ

It's not just Lloyds it happens with many banks. I get regular fraud checks from Halifax and always at the most inopportune time.

They usually happen with a new site as you've found out.

I tend to pay with Paypal wherever possible as that will always go through. Neteller is my second choice then I use a Neteller Net+ prepaid Mastercard. If the site I use doesn't accept that I'll try a Paysafecard and then my final choice is my Visa debit card.

I prefer not to hand out my Visa debit card number to all and sundry as fraudulent access to that account could potentially see me lose access to my wages/salary for a period of time. Yes I can visit the bank to get cash but that is inconvenient.