Journal Entries
Off on my hols
Posted Feb 28, 2012
On Thursday I'll be flying to Singapore to start a nice long cruise to Egypt, calling at Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, India, Oman and Jordan. I'll be gone for a month, so don't expect to hear from me until April. I'll try to post something when I get back.
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: Feb 28, 2012
I didn't think I'd do this!
Posted Aug 12, 2011
Well, I've finally caved in and bought a Kindle. I've always been reluctant to go for anything with a proprietary format, but I spotted several history books for Kindle that were appreciably cheaper than the ebooks for Sony (as priced at Waterstone's). Given time, the Kindle could end up paying for itself in the money I save on books, plus the fact that the books don't take up any shelf space. In fact, I've just downloaded 4 books for the princely sum of £4.83!
Yes, I still have my Sony Reader and it will be useful for reading classics, which I will get free from Project Gutenberg. That was the original reason I went for Sony - Kindle doesn't support ePub. But it looks like my Kindle will be used for reading more up-to-date books.
I've had it for less than 24 hours and I love it already.
Discuss this Journal entry [2]
Latest reply: Aug 12, 2011
It's back!!
Posted Jul 4, 2008
Got a letter today saying the investigation was complete and the money would be reimbursed within 7 working days. The letter was dated 2nd July, so that would mean the money would be back by 11th July. I checked, just for the hell of it. The money's already there.
This weekend I'm going out and spending some of it!
Discuss this Journal entry [2]
Latest reply: Jul 4, 2008
The fraud story continues
Posted Jun 23, 2008
I phoned the Fraud Department's Customer Service number this afternoon. First they couldn't find an account with my sort code and account number. When they did find the claim for my account, I was told it was scheduled to be investigated today - nearly 2 weeks after I reported the fraud. They'll investigate and post a form for me to sign and return. That should happen today or tomorrow. Some investigation!
Assuming the form goes out first class, I'll get it on Wednesday - if I'm lucky. Even if I return it the same day, it will be Thursday before they get it back, and probably Friday before I get my money back. That's 2.5 weeks from the time I reported the fraud.
I understand that banks are supposed to deal with fraud claims within a week. My bank says they have a backlog. If that many customers are falling victim to ID theft, maybe the problem's with the bank, not the customers.
Discuss this Journal entry [6]
Latest reply: Jun 23, 2008
It's always somebody else - until it's you
Posted Jun 10, 2008
I always thought identity theft/cloned cards was something that happened to other people. Then I opened my bank statement today and found that my account had been stripped. I'd gone from a healthy balance to almost overdrawn. I phoned my bank immediately and they stopped my debit card. I'll be going to my branch to fill in a fraud claim form, which I was told is the quickest way to get the money back.
I'd like to buy myself something to cheer myself up, but my card has been stopped and I've got about £5 in cash. I was planning to buy a laptop, but that will have to wait. It feels like my only option is to drown my sorrows in tea (possibly with a generous helping of rum).
Like a fool, I originally posted this in the 'Discuss this entry' area for my personal space. Eejit!
I've been to the bank and reported the fraud. It will take about a week for my new debit card to arrive, but it will take about 2 weeks for the money to be returned.
Discuss this Journal entry [4]
Latest reply: Jun 10, 2008
Cheerful Dragon
Researcher U26139
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."