More from the edges/center of neoliberal capital

My local bank (only 3 branches in nearby towns) called to say that there had been a security breach with account numbers and pins so they were cancelling my atm card and issuing me a new one. They were also issuing me a debit card since it appears that I use my atm card as a debit card (I didn't know there was a difference). I wasn't thrilled about this since I leave for Wales tomorrow. But they did it anyway. They were helpful, though, and had my new debit card sent to them at the beginning of the week so that I could travel with it. Everything seemed fine.

The card is from Visa. Apparently, the local bank contracts with them for the debit service.

Today, I forgot my pin number. I tried to get gas a couple of times. I was putting in the wrong number. Then I went to the atm. the number still didn't work. I came home and dug through the garbage. Not the trash. The garbage. The temperature was in the 80s so the food substances had started to rot and smell, turning into a gelatinous goo with a horrible stench. Coffee grounds enabled the goo easily to stick to my hands and arms. I dug around and found a letter from the better. I called and got caught in various computer phone trees. One told me to dial an extension or the first three letters of a last name. I didn't know either of these for the person who had been helping me at the bank. When I got someone at Visa, he said to call my local bank. All he could do was stop my card if someone had stolen it.

I went back to garbage and dug around until I found my pin number. When I went to the atm to try it, it said that I had tried to use the card too many times. I think, though, that the pin number I used at that point was correct.  I assume that the card is frozen. I tried my old card and the machine ate it. It gave me a nasty note saying I wasn't authorized to use it.

So, now I leave for Wales with no way to get cash. I don't know the pins for my credit cards because of the interest rates on cash advances. Visa can't help me with the card and tells me to contact the local branch. The local branch is closed till Monday. And it has shopped out the card service to Visa, likely asssuming that this would be the sort of thing Visa would handle. The very measures that are supposed to secure the account prevent me from using my own money. And, now I am traveling with no way to get cash. And, the thing is, I never asked for a new card. The old one was working just fine.

Comments

[khalid mir]

Jodi, I don't know where in Wales you're going, but if you go down south do try Knap beach.

[Scott W.]

Jodi,

Did you call the bank and have the card activated?

[Foucault Is Dead]

Enjoy Wales. But avoid a place called Barry Island. At all costs.

[Lynn]

I understand your frustration; I have had similar experiences

Can you get some traveler’s checks before you leave or when you get to Wales?

[Jodi]

I can't get traveler's checks because all the banks are closed here on Sundays. Fortunately, I was able to get cash from my partner. My concern is that the dollar doesn't go very far in the UK anymore. At least I have credit cards.

[Jodi]

Scott, yes. One of my other worries is that the bank accidentally shut down both cards, the old one and the new one. Or, it was just that the security mechanism kicked in at the fourth try to use the card.

F iS D--why shouls I avoid Barry Island?

[Jodi]

Khalid mir--I'll be in Cardiff. Is that close?

[khalid mir]

foucault, I resent that ! I lived near Barry Island . But yes, it is quite sad. The Knap isn't too far away ..very nice place to walk on a late summer's evening.
Penarth pier is also worth a look at (I've put a photo up on my blog somewhere). Great scones and cream if you like that.

anyway, have a wonderful trip!

[Foucault Is Dead]

Barry Island is the site of an old 1960s holiday camp which had not been maintained when I was there (about 15 years ago), thus making it look like more of a concentration camp than a holiday camp. Plus, it has its fair share of Dodgepot McDougals (i.e. dodgy characters). Thankfully, I had only stopped by the place for a cup of coffee.

But, on the other hand, I love Cardiff, which is nearby.

[Rob]

that is just an unreal anecdote, Jodi