Worried about my bank account and annoyed

swingaloo

Today I tried to make 3 payments online and all 3 were declined including one which was just an electric top up.

The balance is healthy and looking at online banking there are no irregular payments.

Ive just spent 22 mins on hold trying to get through to Natwest to be told that my account has been blocked by the fraud department and they are closed now!!!!

Ive had no text or email from the bank telling me there was a problem and they couldn't tell me why as only the fraud dept will know the answer to that. All they could say was that it may be irregular spending on my card. Ive hardly used my card in the last week, just once at Tesco and once for petrol, I did my xmas shopping ages ago.

Flaming Christmas as well, good job I have done all my shopping.

Its got me really worried especially as I cant get an answer.

Anyone else had this happen?

newatc

Banks are not learning are they? Somewhere should tell Nat West fraud department that crooks do not work 9-5 and also the meaning of customer service.

At least you know that your money is safe, I hope you get the access sorted soon.

tempus_fugit

Backup bank accounts. That is all.

Kim_13

As you are able to access online banking, it's a good sign that they aren't suspecting you of anything dodgy (they wouldn't be able to tell you if they were under the 'tipping off' rules.)

Have you ever made those kinds of payments online before? It may be that they felt those were not payments you would make. As they would have to reimburse any fraudulent use, they do have to be vigilant and don't always get it right.

swingaloo

Found the problem. Yesterday I tried to book a room at Travelodge and it said on the booking that my card was declined . I thought maybe the problem was that I had not updated the details correctly as we have changed address since I last used the site. I checked everything and made another try which was also declined.

After speaking to the fraud dept at Natwest it seems that Travelodge actually charged the room to my card 5 times and tried to take it a further 3 times by which time the bank put a block on.

Now I have been told the money is 'ringfenced' by Travelodge as they didn't accept the booking so it will be replaced in my account in a few days.
As long as I get it returned I have no problem but it could be devastating if it happened to someone needing the money for Xmas or if the money was needed for direct debits.

Shakin_Steve

Glad it’s sorted itself out.:T
And thanks for updating us.

badger09

swingaloo wrote: »

Found the problem. Yesterday I tried to book a room at Travelodge and it said on the booking that my card was declined . I thought maybe the problem was that I had not updated the details correctly as we have changed address since I last used the site. I checked everything and made another try which was also declined.

After speaking to the fraud dept at Natwest it seems that Travelodge actually charged the room to my card 5 times and tried to take it a further 3 times by which time the bank put a block on.

Now I have been told the money is 'ringfenced' by Travelodge as they didn't accept the booking so it will be replaced in my account in a few days.
As long as I get it returned I have no problem but it could be devastating if it happened to someone needing the money for Xmas or if the money was needed for direct debits.

Indeed it could. Time to open another current account with a different banking group so you're never in this situation again;)

FYI DDs should pay out as usual in these circumstances

d123

swingaloo wrote: »

After speaking to the fraud dept at Natwest it seems that Travelodge actually charged the room to my card 5 times and tried to take it a further 3 times by which time the bank put a block on.

Now I have been told the money is 'ringfenced' by Travelodge as they didn't accept the booking so it will be replaced in my account in a few days.
As long as I get it returned I have no problem but it could be devastating if it happened to someone needing the money for Xmas or if the money was needed for direct debits.

It might be worth getting a credit card for those sort of transactions in future, at least then authorisations don’t impact your actual money in the bank.

swingaloo

Thank you for the replies. I do have a credit card for reserve but its still unsettling until you know whats happening. I'm just glad they were open this morning.

now I can get on with enjoying Christmas.

Happy Christmas everyone.

jonesMUFCforever

I would be having serious words with owners of Travelodge as well!