Tonight I went to HMV at Yorkdale to help Santa cross the Wii off his list. I paid with my Visa card, but it wouldn't go through. The system told the clerk to call Visa. I knew I had room on the card, so I just waited patiently while the woman behind the counter chatted with the bank rep.
Meanwhile, my Blackberry vibrated and it was Taryn telling me Visa had just called my house asking for me. I, of course, wasn't home. I was at HMV, trying to use my card. At this time, the HMV clerk passed me the phone. Visa wanted to speak with me.
I spent the next ten minutes trying to convince the gentleman I was in fact who I am. We went through several of my previous addresses until I successfully convinced him I was Mike Boon. Only then would he clear my card to make this purchase.
For some reason, a sensitive fraud alarm got tripped by my purchase. I suppose it's a good thing they're making sure it's an authorized purchase, but it was a pain in the ass waiting ten minutes for Visa to converse with HMV and then another ten minutes proving my identity. I know credit card fraud is a problem, but isn't it possible their alarms are a little too sensitive?
Jordy, thanks for reserving me a Wii. You've earned yourself an extra inning at 2nd base. I won't even blame you for the whole Visa debacle.
