Are they trying to tell me something?

I was booking train tickets online recently, and the payment wouldn't go through. I tried Paypal, Apple Pay and putting the card number in, but to no avail. As that was three attempts by card got blocked and it took three quarters of an hour to get it sorted out over the phone, by which time the tickets had dropped off the booking app, so I had to start again with the booking. Infuriating - particularly as the transaction was not remotely out of the ordinary.

Putting in pin numbers in machines in shops has never bothered me - and is easily done. Verification codes can be a hassle.

For many years we couldn't get mobile reception at home even though we live in a village in the centre of an area of high tech research, surrounded by research centres. It can still be a bit iffy.

My problem is verification numbers that do not come through. I have just had to open a new ebay account and abandon a nearly 20 year ebay 100% reputation because despite whatever phone they sent my verification code to, it wasn't my mobile. I spent months trying to sort this out ( I am one of many). The response was always to tell me to go into my account to check my number, but to do that I had first to enter a verification code, which i couldn't receive. In the end I gave up and started again.

Banks ask that you have to put your card in the machine with a pin every now and then , banks choose the times , to make sure it is you using it . It is for your own security as contacless is used so much now .

Luckily we’ve moved to an area with decent signal so it’s not a problem any more, GSM but that scenario sounds familiar. What a scutter!

Connecting to the Internet made no difference, the messages still didn’t get through until the phone was past the dairy farm about a mile away.

Thanks gg. I hadn't spotted it either.

We have no phone signal GSM but we receive mobile calls via the Internet which works well. Can't remember how we did it but it is a game changer

We have no mobile reception Sue, hence the use of the Barclays pin sentry machine. Being texted a code is completely impossible here unless I stand at the top of the garden, and by the time I get back to the computer the code’s expired!

Thanks for that tip, GG13. I’ve never noticed that box but will look for it.

The verification code system is a nightmare if you live in an area with poor mobile signal because it often doesn’t come through. I remember trying and failing to buy something when I didn’t get any of the codes. Next time I drove into town my phone was ping-ping-pinging with all the failed messages coming in. 🙄

I find online shopping a whole lot easier than trekking around the shops. I make much better choices with a clear head, also avoid temptation from the many promotions for stuff I really don't need.

I use Paypal whenever I can, have my mobile nearby and I've memorised all my card details. So, I can just sit here with a nice coffee and get it all done in no time.

kittylester

Where is my list gg?

It always seems to happen to me at the butcher's!!

When your bank sends you the verification code underneath it should say do you want this supplier to be added to your favourites /preferential list and a little box to click.

Yes MOnica I often get a verification code sent to my phone, or a ‘please authorise at your bank’ done online through my banking app.

Verification was introduced about a year ago. I never used to need to verify, and I realised it was happening because my card issuers contacted me wanting my mobile phone number so that they could send it to me.

Where is my list gg?

It always seems to happen to me at the butcher's!!

GSM is correct the verification code is anti fraud prevention.

If you use John Lewis, or any other retailer frequently you can add them to your list and you will no longer have to do the verification code thing.

The chip & pin thing is random fraud prevention by the chip and pin provider, not against you personally.

I tend to shop in batches so to speak.
So I wont spend for days, and then may go out and spend several times in one day.
It does seem that after I have used a card 3 times, on the 4th, I have to use a pin number.

Or that could just be me. Or the card.

Apart from one place, I do not shop online. Dont like it. If I really want something, I ask someone else to do it for me and repay them.

You have to enter your verification code online to protect against fraud. I very often have to use the pin sentry machine for online purchases too, even for small amounts - a right faff but it all helps the fight against fraud.