Then pile on the fact that I've tried to use my AX legitimately to buy hardware over the last month and was denied 2 separate times because it 'seemed suspicious'. Really makes you wish for a more secure payment system which can be used for such transactions.
I'm curious, my purchase history with my CC was generally local stores, groceries, gas, restaurants. Large purchases were rare, and then I finally bought some computer hardware (~1k purchase for the whole kit, all at once). BoA called me and confirmed it wasn't fraudulent, things went on. Then I moved and hadn't spent much in the new area (I use cash most of the time), when I finally decided to upgrade from my 13" CRT. Go into Best Buy, pay with the CC, again BoA called me and once the call was through the transaction cleared and I had my new TV.
Does your CC company not call to confirm things? Were the purchases clearly out of line with your previous purchase history (by location, type or amount)?
Someone should come up with a two factor authentication system for CC purchases. I swipe my card, then the processor pings my phone for approval. It would be great for validating tip amounts as well.
