Beware automatic fraud checks if going abroad, especially on a cruise

lr1277

You talk about text notifications.

Were in-app notification not available on your card?

Google tells me that most cruise liners offer wi-fi on board for an additional cost. Was wi-fi available on your cruise?

Admittedly text is more immediate, noticeable and convenient than in in-app notification but the latter could be a workaround?

Grumpy_chap

rufford155 said:

          To send such a text to a customer they ought to realise is abroad and on a ship at sea seems to me to be the height of idiocy.

Halifax had no knowledge of where you are - how could they possibly?
All Halifax had knowledge of was that you card apparently attempted a transaction onboard a cruise ship.

The compensation you have received seems generous in the circumstances.

rufford155

lr1277 said:

You talk about text notifications.

Were in-app notification not available on your card?

Google tells me that most cruise liners offer wi-fi on board for an additional cost. Was wi-fi available on your cruise?

Admittedly text is more immediate, noticeable and convenient than in in-app notification but the latter could be a workaround?

Wifi on cruise ships is a rip-off - it's an expensive, unnecessary luxury.

I had roaming enabled so waited until the ship was in port.

carly

When travelling to New destinations or if I anticipate a change in spending patterns then I have sent Halifax ( and other providers) a message informing  them of the likelihood of unusual transactions before I leave home.  Something along the lines of " I will be travelling on a cruise ship between these dates and anticipate using my card ".  I have never had a problem with a transaction being declined.

rufford155

carly said:

When travelling to New destinations or if I anticipate a change in spending patterns then I have sent Halifax ( and other providers) a message informing  them of the likelihood of unusual transactions before I leave home.  Something along the lines of " I will be travelling on a cruise ship between these dates and anticipate using my card ".  I have never had a problem with a transaction being declined.

Sent a message - how ?
Many years ago they used to ask you to do this (by phone), but not anymore so I didn't bother.
Never had a problem before either until this time.

adamp87

The common advice still stands really before going abroad let the bank know.

We had a cruise last year whilst my card didn’t get declined on a 48 hour trip to Amsterdam a few months later I got the same text from Lloyds whilst on the ferry paying for something it happens.

NoodleDoodleMan

For information - Santander allow credit (and debit) card holders to notify the bank online of countries and dates reference trips outside the UK.

It would be very useful if others offered the same facility.

carly

rufford155 said:

carly said:

When travelling to New destinations or if I anticipate a change in spending patterns then I have sent Halifax ( and other providers) a message informing  them of the likelihood of unusual transactions before I leave home.  Something along the lines of " I will be travelling on a cruise ship between these dates and anticipate using my card ".  I have never had a problem with a transaction being declined.

Sent a message - how ?
Many years ago they used to ask you to do this (by phone), but not anymore so I didn't bother.
Never had a problem before either until this time.

By the messaging facility on the App.  I used to do it on the website but havent checked to see if that is still operational

rufford155

Thanks Carly.

maisie_cat

The advice to inform the bank has been around for a long time.
I remember letting FD know that I was travelling as far back as 2000