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Original poster

To think my bank shouldn’t be able to stop me?

237 replies

MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:22

I’ve been trying to make a purchase for the last two months from Dior. It’s a one off treat that costs £600ish.

Every single time I’ve gone to buy it my payment gets declined. I’ve contacted my bank numerous times to ask if there was a block. After a month they finally admitted they had been blocking the payment. Confirmed block lifted but I’m still being declined.

I’ve now been told today that they will never allow me to purchase from Dior as I could say it’s fraud and sell the item on at full price. Surely if I have the money then I can spend it how I want??

OP posts:
MirenaMisery · 05/04/2023 18:35

That's ridiculous. I've never heard of that happening before. £600 isn't a crazy amount either so I don't understand why they can't authorise it.

Original poster
MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:35

Coffeellama · 05/04/2023 18:30

Also what do they mean by selling it on at full price and reporting fraud? Why are your bank telling you that they think you are going to report your own transaction as fraud? There’s obviously more to it if they’re telling you they think you are going to basically commit fraud/theft.

Show quote history

They said that when a card gets stolen that it’s very likely to be used to purchase high end goods and sell on at full price - I said that’s fine and I’d understand the block initially BUT I’m telling you that it’s me buying it.

They said it didn’t matter and it’s in their t&cs that they don’t have to let me purchase something. It’s with a complaints team now but it doesn’t sound hopeful.

Some background is that I don’t have any defaults, I’ve always paid everything on time. I’ve maybe had two loans in my life which are all paid off.

OP posts:
CalistoNoSolo · 05/04/2023 18:36

There has got to be more to this. Have they had to pay out for a fraud claim from you before? Is the transaction with Dior or a third party?

Original poster
MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:36

MirenaMisery · 05/04/2023 18:35

That's ridiculous. I've never heard of that happening before. £600 isn't a crazy amount either so I don't understand why they can't authorise it.

Exactly. I even said so there’s a blanket ban on all NatWest customers buying from Dior and they said no

OP posts:
LubaLuca · 05/04/2023 18:37

Presumably this is via the legitimate, real deal website and not a third party? I can't think what on earth their logic is.

BadgerFacedCoo · 05/04/2023 18:37

Usually when there's a pattern of it happening. It's all based on previous behaviour and how that fits in with the profiles they build on all their customers. Like insurance premiums - they don't know who'll have an accident, but they can guess baed on profiles.

Bournetilly · 05/04/2023 18:37

That’s ridiculous! I would change my bank.

pigsDOfly · 05/04/2023 18:37

Is it possible that they think the site you're buying from isn't a genuine Dior site?

What they're saying to you makes no sense.

Backstreets · 05/04/2023 18:39

I’d change banks. That’s utterly ridiculous.

pigsDOfly · 05/04/2023 18:39

Just read your last post, so no doesn't sound like they suspect the site isn't genuine.

LakieLady · 05/04/2023 18:41

If this was happening to me, I'd be getting in touch with one of journos who do consumer stories in the weekend papers. Anna Tims of the Guardian is good at that sort of stuff.

Original poster
MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:41

CalistoNoSolo · 05/04/2023 18:36

There has got to be more to this. Have they had to pay out for a fraud claim from you before? Is the transaction with Dior or a third party?

I lost my card once and once had it stolen … in 2016 and 2017 (I think) and both times it was maxed out to the £99 contactless limit before needing a pin (which it was back then) so .. a fraud claim of £198 in total.

I withdrew £7K a year ago. Never claimed that as fraud but probably the biggest cash amount I’ve taken out in one go:

But no I’ve never made a large purchase and claimed fraud.

OP posts:
RudsyFarmer · 05/04/2023 18:42

MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:29

All I have is a debit card, I could ask someone to buy it for me one a CC and transfer them the money but it’s just annoying as I should just be able to straight up use my own card.

Show quote history

The fact you haven’t got a CC makes me wonder whether you’re consider risky die to your credit score. You need a record of accruing debt and paying it off for the banks to think you are a good risk. If your normal spending does not include sudden £600 purchases then that’s going to consistently flag up that transaction.

The amount of bank fraud that goes on I’m not sure I blame them.

Augend23 · 05/04/2023 18:43

Pay via PayPal? Ridiculous but probably the best solution.

evtheria · 05/04/2023 18:43

Switch your bank account. Get one of those cash bonuses for switching, while you're at it. Write in a formal letter of complaint explaining why you are taking your money elsewhere.

That is so weird. It's your money! Not a credit card or anything, and you've confirmed it's you wanting this purchase... what the hell?

Xenia · 05/04/2023 18:44

Use paypal then. It is not hard to open a paypal account. Sounds like you are not near a branch so cannot pay in cash. Could you get a credit card just for this? It can be quite useful. i have one and only use it if my normal debit card does not work.

Original poster
MovinginCircless · 05/04/2023 18:44

LubaLuca · 05/04/2023 18:37

Presumably this is via the legitimate, real deal website and not a third party? I can't think what on earth their logic is.

Yes it’s from Diors website - i wouldn’t buy from anywhere else as I’d be worried it wasn’t legit.

But actually I might look and see if Selfridges or a store like that sell it.

OP posts:
mewkins · 05/04/2023 18:45

I've had this before with a different bank. Had to speak to the fraud department for ages. They didn't believe that I was just trying to buy something legit. They then said they'd phone me back but didn't so I had to pay from a different bank account in the end.... it was really weird.

Neededanewuserhandle · 05/04/2023 18:45

RudsyFarmer · 05/04/2023 18:42

The fact you haven’t got a CC makes me wonder whether you’re consider risky die to your credit score. You need a record of accruing debt and paying it off for the banks to think you are a good risk. If your normal spending does not include sudden £600 purchases then that’s going to consistently flag up that transaction.

The amount of bank fraud that goes on I’m not sure I blame them.

Show quote history

Who the flip do we blame then? Banks could actually do a hell of a lot more to stop fraud but they don't. They can fuck off putting the blame on ordinary consumers though.

JKTrolling · 05/04/2023 18:46

Have you got a history of claiming fraud on your account?

what sort of account do you have with the bank?

was it a debit or credit card you have?

There is clearly a back story or your activity is flagged as suspicious with the bank.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 05/04/2023 18:47

That's really odd.

I'm with NatWest and I've never had a single issue buying anything using my debit card online or in a store.

sadnessonthehills · 05/04/2023 18:49

I had the same with Bugaboo. My bank, different to yours, kept refusing to let me spend £1200!

Had to take cash out and buy the pram in person. It was a faff

Aposterhasnoname · 05/04/2023 18:49

Are you certain it’s not a fake website. Can you link to what you’re trying to buy?

Leftbutcameback · 05/04/2023 18:50

I’ve had similar issues with NatWest trying to move money to savings and them insisting I speak to the fraud team who were never available. I also find they want to validate far too many transactions on the app (like car parking payments)

LlynTegid · 05/04/2023 18:50

Hope you can find a way through all this. Then change bank.