Strange call from my bank reguarding gear purchase....

**lpicken** · 04-17-2006, 09:42 AM

I recently placed an order with a reputable online international source for some gear. This morning, I got a strange call from my bank reguarding whether or not I had made a certain purchase from a ".com" with my debit card. She said it was her job to ask customers about "suspicous purchases." Naturally, the retailer used an alias for reporting to my bank statement. I denied making any purchases and nor the police or the package has yet to arrive on my doorstep. Is it possible this retailer has been flagged and the cops are searching bank accounts looking to bust the end user? Has anybody else recieved a similar phone call? Can they legally do such a thing? I am not a dealer and this was only my third purchase. Maybe I am just paranoid and the lady was just doing her job. Nonetheless, I would like to hear what other members have to say about this....

**IBdmfkr** · 04-17-2006, 09:44 AM

I'd never purchase from a .com with my Debit card, that was your first mistake.
Ever heard of WesternUnion and/or Money orders?

**Stackertoo** · 04-17-2006, 09:45 AM

Sometimes banks look at purchases that seem suspect and ask you before pushing them through. They just don't want to be out the $$ if someone grabbed your card or otherwise is ripping you off.
It has happened to me before on non-gear purchases.

**C_Bino** · 04-17-2006, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by lpicken

I recently placed an order with a reputable online international source for some gear. This morning, I got a strange call from my bank reguarding whether or not I had made a certain purchase from a ".com" with my debit card. She said it was her job to ask customers about "suspicous purchases." Naturally, the retailer used an alias for reporting to my bank statement. I denied making any purchases and nor the police or the package has yet to arrive on my doorstep. Is it possible this retailer has been flagged and the cops are searching bank accounts looking to bust the end user? Has anybody else recieved a similar phone call? Can they legally do such a thing? I am not a dealer and this was only my third purchase. Maybe I am just paranoid and the lady was just doing her job. Nonetheless, I would like to hear what other members have to say about this....

Dude, you should be happy your bank does this. This means they are on top of their customers accounts and watching for fraud. Say someone did make a purchase with your card that you didnt authorize wouldnt you want your bank to call you and let you know?
Now that you told them you didnt make the purchase they will cancel the transaction if possible and you wont get your gear and will have to re-order and than have the bank call you again asking you why you did it again if you never ordered the first time.

**biglouie250** · 04-17-2006, 09:50 AM

yea i used to have an astoria federal bank account with a debit card. i tried using the ATM in canada and it was denied. i called my bacnk and they said since i never had used it internationally before it was denied for fear the card was stolen.

**crash187ct** · 04-17-2006, 10:05 AM

good bank, but bad idea buying with debit card....at least use western union

**Ufa** · 04-17-2006, 10:06 AM

Better the Bank than the DEA.

**MrMent1on** · 04-17-2006, 10:10 AM

The bank will do that at times especially if its over a certain amount like lets say $500. Bro next time get a pre-paid CC to do that kind of business. untracable.

**chest6** · 04-17-2006, 10:20 AM

Why in the world would you buy gear with a debit card?

**sbeast007** · 04-17-2006, 10:29 AM

they may also call u if the order was placed at a strange time like 4am or something!

**crash187ct** · 04-17-2006, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by sbeast007

they may also call u if the order was placed at a strange time like 4am or something!

they better not, try to raid my porn.

**jones318** · 04-17-2006, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Ufa

Better the Bank than the DEA.

for real!

**lpicken** · 04-17-2006, 12:49 PM

Thanx for the advice, I definently have to use Western Union in the future, debit card is so much simpler.

**2bshredded** · 04-17-2006, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by chest6

Why in the world would you buy gear with a debit card?

Rack up Frequent Flyer miles, only reason I can think of.

**masterjuice** · 04-17-2006, 02:56 PM

yea my bank did it to me wit a non gear purchase

**SwoleCat** · 04-17-2006, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by chest6

Why in the world would you buy gear with a debit card?

What goes through peoples' heads when they do this is news to me.

~SC~

**Hackamaniac** · 04-17-2006, 03:05 PM

Live and learn brotha

**space.ghost** · 10-01-2006, 02:48 AM

Well, then and that is that.

**juice_305** · 10-01-2006, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by Hackamaniac

Live and learn brotha

aint that the truth

**PainfulPleasure** · 10-01-2006, 03:00 AM

i would never use a debit card to buy ANYTHING online. especially gear. espeically international source. more risky to buy international

**Surrender** · 10-01-2006, 03:11 AM

Originally Posted by lpicken

I recently placed an order with a reputable online international source for some gear. This morning, I got a strange call from my bank reguarding whether or not I had made a certain purchase from a ".com" with my debit card. She said it was her job to ask customers about "suspicous purchases." Naturally, the retailer used an alias for reporting to my bank statement. I denied making any purchases and nor the police or the package has yet to arrive on my doorstep. Is it possible this retailer has been flagged and the cops are searching bank accounts looking to bust the end user? Has anybody else recieved a similar phone call? Can they legally do such a thing? I am not a dealer and this was only my third purchase. Maybe I am just paranoid and the lady was just doing her job. Nonetheless, I would like to hear what other members have to say about this....

Yes it'snormal for a bank to question the purchase. remeber if a non aurthorize purchase is made to your card,l the bank takes responsibiloity for it...I own a company down in Baja and do a lot of purchases with Mexican companies through my bank and and my ATM is always at questioned in regards to reg purchases. So me can be $100 and others $25k or more..

It's nothing my friend.....