Citibank CC fraud alerts for gas?

[ocean view]

Just wondering if anyone else is receiving fraud alerts from Citibank everytime they purchase gas?

We have a Citi Double Cash card that we use for almost everything. The last two times DH has purchased gas I have received a fraud alert text requiring me to confirm that I am trying to buy gas before they will approve the purchase. This is bothersome because DH does not have a smart phone, so if I'm not with him or aware that he's buying gas he might have some difficulties filling up.

I called Citibank to ask if there was a flag on the account or was there an issue with this gas station (where we've been buying gas for 10+ years) or if this is just the new standard procedure for gas purchases. The agent was not helpful. He just kept repeating that they need to confirm the charges were legitimate. He would not speak to what raised the fraud flag in the first place. Frustrating.

btw, our gas purchases are generally less than $36 and I already receive email alerts every time the card is used, and a text if the a charge is made without the card present.

I'm just trying to figure out if this is Citibank's new procedure for gas purchases. If so, we might have to start using a different card.

 

[Time2]

Just wondering if anyone else is receiving fraud alerts from Citibank everytime they purchase gas?

We have a Citi Double Cash card that we use for almost everything. The last two times DH has purchased gas I have received a fraud alert text requiring me to confirm that I am trying to buy gas before they will approve the purchase. This is bothersome because DH does not have a smart phone, so if I'm not with him or aware that he's buying gas he might have some difficulties filling up.

I called Citibank to ask if there was a flag on the account or was there an issue with this gas station (where we've been buying gas for 10+ years) or if this is just the new standard procedure for gas purchases. The agent was not helpful. He just kept repeating that they need to confirm the charges were legitimate. He would not speak to what raised the fraud flag in the first place. Frustrating.

btw, our gas purchases are generally less than $36 and I already receive email alerts every time the card is used, and a text if the a charge is made without the card present.

I'm just trying to figure out if this is Citibank's new procedure for gas purchases. If so, we might have to start using a different card.

I haven't noted anything different.
Resently the station my wife uses closed for new construction. My wife started charging $10 at another station and got declined, and notified, this happened twice, when she called she found that her pattern changed and that was suspicious.
She usually filled up at the same station and then started $10 each time at another station. I am happy they make they attempt to stop fraud. Let's give a 3 years hard labor prison sentence for CC fraud!

It costs us all.

 

[Lsbcal]

Every time we fill up with our Chase Freedom card we get an email alert. I did not ask for this but it doesn't bother me.

 

[braumeister]

I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, gas stations are one of the most common places for credit card fraud. So better safe than sorry.

 

[ocean view]

I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, gas stations are one of the most common places for credit card fraud. So better safe than sorry.

If it were just an alert I would not be concerned, as I already get those. This is “we won’t allow this transaction to go through until you confirm it’s legit back to Citibank” warning. This means that DH cannot get gas without me on standby to receive and respond back to them. This is an inconvenience I do not want or need.

I understand that stolen cards are frequently used at gas stations, but their algorithms should be able to detect that this station is located in our zip code and we’ve purchased gas there at least once a month for the past 10 years.

Any Citibank users who can share if they do or do not have this experience when buying gas?

 

[REWahoo]

Might be time to wave a fond goodbye to Citibank and find yourself a new card.

 

[meierlde]

This happened on a shell mastercard from citi to me in Miami in Dec 2016. When I called about it, they said that Miami was a major fraud area.

 

[braumeister]

If it were just an alert I would not be concerned, as I already get those. This is “we won’t allow this transaction to go through until you confirm it’s legit back to Citibank” warning. This means that DH cannot get gas without me on standby to receive and respond back to them. This is an inconvenience I do not want or need.

Sorry, I didn't pay close enough attention to what you posted. Since they are not being cooperative, I second REWahoo's recommendation.

 

[RunningBum]

I always carry 2 cards, usually 3, so that I have an alternate to use in case one is rejected due to fraud, real or not. I would also drop a card that had this kind of problem. But I would first examine all recent transactions to make sure there wasn't actually some real fraud going on, or irregular spending of yours that might have put your card on alert.

 

[Plantman]

I've been using my Citi double cash card for gas at Sam's club with no problems. I get a $1 authorization charge which is replaced by the actual amount afterwards.

 

[Sunset]

Either use another CC (this is why having a few CC's is good).
Or have spouse tell you when spouse is going to get gas, and if the alert comes in while spouse is out, just OK the charge, unless it's over $50.

I'd go with the different CC.

 

[6miths]

Yes that you actually have to respond to an e-mail or text alert is a major pain. Especially when a family member is using a companion card and if it is the same person responding as pumping gas then poor form as they are using mobile phone near the pumps which is frowned on. I would be looking at another card I think.

 

[Time2]

Yes that you actually have to respond to an e-mail or text alert is a major pain. Especially when a family member is using a companion card and if it is the same person responding as pumping gas then poor form as they are using mobile phone near the pumps which is frowned on. I would be looking at another card I think.

Maybe you could accept a higher loss than the now $50, say $500 if they would quit notifying you!