I was wrapping up an evening of video streaming when this arrived in my email:
Yeah nope, that wasn’t me. So I called the number and talked to a nice guy who had a slight Upper Midwest accent. We got everything sorted out and squared away. They’ll send me a new card. It will arrive in “five to seven days.”
In the meantime, my current card is useless. I have 44 dollars of cash at the moment, a nearly full gas tank, and my stockpile of food, so I’ll be okay for the week. Or more.
Getting a new card number will be an annoyance and an opportunity. I’ll need to update my various auto-pay accounts. But I can also discontinue some subscriptions (including ones I’ve forgotten about) without jumping through their hoops. I just won’t give them my new number. Yay, savings!
However, something was still bugging me as I went to sleep. I had loosely planned on staying here in Pismo Beach for a week or more, but that was flexible, that was my free choice. Now I must stay. I feel trapped. I’m too accustomed to lack of restraints. But I’m a big boy, so…
With 18 years of no restraints on me travel wise I can really feel your pain all the way down here to Rockport Texas.
ReplyDeleteDo you have Zelle? Paypal? Venmo? How much do you want?
ReplyDeleteNone. I'll be fine. There's nothing I need to buy this week—at least nothing over $44.
DeleteAll the scammers use guys w upper midwest accents. 🥸
ReplyDeleteI think I would have a little cash stashed away somewhere hard to get to in the tent. Maybe behind a couple of torx screws just to make it harder to get into. But, then, that's me, gotta have plan A, plan B and so on, so maybe wouldn't do too well with your lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteSimilar thing happened to me. The numbskulls used amounts of $0.01 for purchase in 2 different stores nowhere near me. Bank rep said it's how they 'test' to see if card is good. I got an alert (?email or text?) so at least I wasn't in the middle of a transaction when the card was frozen. Same length of down time plus mail box in another town. Like you. But it really butters my buns when I go to make a large-ish purchase (same town; same store account) and card gets flagged and the transaction is killed. (having to overnight a critical item) The banks ARE NOT 24/7 like it says on the card and statements.
ReplyDeleteThinking that maybe banks don't share my business with each other, I got another card/account at a different bank. I deposit a minor amount of cash in one and keep major funds in another. I only use the smaller one for purchases. I can deposit funds and get cash from major one and walk around the corner and deposit it in minor one. I figure if I get hacked (and it happened) it will only be for a few hundred at most, not my entire cookie jar. Then I still have the other card to withdraw cash until I receive the new card. So far, it worked ok. I have been considering a credit union for a third one in case the banks have a meltdown. Have you heard if folks use/like/prefer credit unions? My experiment with a small, fireproof suitcase safe has taught me that (used) money will mildew. So, yeah, I launder money. Rice and baking soda is really messy and fits where large desiccant bags won't. Any other ideas?
Yep, such a p.i.t.a. in time and effort to change out a replacement card. It does make one consider which places REALLY need my deets.
The reason I chose and stayed with Wells Fargo, even though the corporation is corrupt, is that they and their ATMs are just about everywhere in the West. My late friend Lou used a credit union, so I guess it worked for him.
DeleteOk, thanks.
DeleteAh! I get to brag about my history.
ReplyDeleteAs Marketing Director of NM Central Credit Union, the CU for the other CUs, I got an insider's view. Each CU has, supposedly, a particular market they serve. Although *some* allow anyone to join, their bylaws generally state you must be a member of whatever group they were formed to serve. The only advantage is the possibility of a more personal relationship with your banker.
Many credit unions, since they are smaller and do not have economies of scale, cannot offer lower interest rates. If, however, your circumstances are such that you need special consideration, your relationship with the CU's president or loan officer may enable you to navigate in adverse conditions. Otherwise, you're just as well off with any other institution.
The most recommended CU (Boeing) has ATMs almost everywhere but only 3 actual branches in the Puget Sound area. And they require an appointment. My needs are just deposits and a debit card. Except most of us now have a S.S. card (no longer sending checks) and must go inside to get a cash advance because ATM daily withdrawals are insufficient.
DeleteI am wondering if the 'retail' banks are disrupted somehow, would a CU still be viable?
MVG,
DeleteI can't answer, there have been a number of regulations come and gone. My guess is CUs would be LESS likely to remain viable as they are not connected to the global economy. The "bailout" of 2008 was justified by the threat of global disruption.
Here is a bit from Chatgpt
The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) does not insure credit unions. The FDIC only insures deposits at banks.
Credit unions are insured by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). This provides similar coverage to FDIC insurance—up to $250,000 per depositor, per credit union, per ownership category.
Money in a federally insured credit union, is protected by the NCUA, not the FDIC.
----------- End Chat -----------
I suspect the move toward cryptocurrency is an attempt to create an isolationistic economy no longer based on the dollar. Other currencies ( Euro, Pound & Yuan) are ahead of the dollar. When the dollar collapses, those who have cryptocurrency will be able to negotiate...or so the rumor goes.
Thanks for the info.
Deletewas the number you were asked to call the same one as the back of your card
ReplyDeleteI didn't compare. But afterward I saw the same message was waiting for me on my online account page and a text message. And I got messages yesterday that the card has been shipped.
DeleteAh! You slipped the bullet. 🥸
Delete