I’ve recently been struggling with my new Citi AAdvantage Platinum Card and fraud alerts. I’ve had about four in the last week and became extremely frustrated. But a nice gal on Saturday morning straightened me out.
With new Citi cards, if they see a transaction over about $400 from Kroger, CVS, Walgreens or Walmart (the ones she mentioned), they are sending out fraud alerts.
It is obviously to protect us from online scam artists that are trying to get us old geezers (no matter how old you are) to buy prepaid credit cards and send the scammers the card numbers. I can think of Social Security scams, computer hack scams, and old medical bill scams
Sure it’s been annoying, but I now have a better understanding of what they are looking for to “protect us”. It’s big box stores and amounts that are close to the $ limit of prepaid cards.
The rep also indicated that the newness of the account may have some determination in if you get a fraud alert or not
This post may be shorter in length than some others, but I’m in hopes the underlying meaning is clear to all of you that are attempting to meet minimum spend.
The rep also actually suggested that If I am going to buy gift cards, that the $300’s are not as big of an issue. I can confirm several transactions at Sam’s Club of $254.xx worked without issue. And Katy had a $391.00 purchase that was not called out for fraud.
So, for me, and hopefully others in the game, this warning will lead to a small “behavior modification” on our part.
Bring on Staples fee-free weekends!!!
Anybody else had an increase in fraud prevention calls?
ONEW UPDATE: Sam’s Club is paying an extra 4 Membership rewards points as an Amex Offer til the end of the year. If it works and combines with Dosh at Sam’s, it will make for a worthwhile trip / Trying with my Amex Biz Blue today
You really wrote a post that large purchases on new accounts at stores that sell gift cards are getting declined to perceived fraud?
And then don’t offer any information about how to fix it going forward.
Sheesh, come on…
I have had some Fraud alerts in my Chase cards after my cards were stolen from the famous Giftcardmall.com hack, but all these alerts have been authorized by me to avoid another hack. Usually when I buy above $500 in any place my cards are working without problem, but sure enough that this war against MS is getting stronger everyday.
I have also heard you say you make a few small purchases when you first receive the card… that’s exactly what thieves do. I stopped doing that. When I receive a new Citi card my first purchase ie at the Simongiftcardmall.com and it’s for whatever the min spend.I have done this 2 doz times and all have been approved.Yes I spend 35.00 however many times I was receiving 70,000 miles valued at 1.5 equals 1050.00. Also I’m not running around to CVS or Walgreens, I just want 5 days and they are delivered to my mail box.
The Citi Sears ThankYou card is an ongoing acclimation process, set up every account alert you can because otherwise they may not call, email, or text when the put on a fraud freeze. Calling to get to an agent is usually a lengthy wait.
Stefan, great to hear from you. Thanks for the DP. Hope to see you in Chicago