The telephone rings.
BANK CLERK :
Two seven, five four, three two, good morning !
CARDHOLDER :
Hello ! I want to report the loss, or perhaps theft, of my card.
BANK CLERK :
Yes, Sir, what's your card number, please?
CARDHOLDER :
4 8 7 2 0 9 9 8 5 4 0 1 3 2 0 0
BANK CLERK :
What bank was it issued by ?
CARDHOLDER :
Barclay's, in Chichester.
BANK CLERK :
What's your name and address please, Sir ?
CARDHOLDER :
Francis Bacon, 5 West Street, Chichester, West Sussex.
BANK CLERK :
Ok. When was your card stolen or lost ?
CARDHOLDER :
Well, that's the trouble, I'm not sure. About a quarter of an hour ago, I realised I couldn't find my card when I needed it to withdraw cash from a cashpoint. I hadn't been aware it was missing before that, and the last time I used it was over a week ago. So I haven't got a clue whether it's lost, or stolen, or whatever, nor when it happened.
BANK CLERK :
Where and when did you last use your card, Sir ?
CARDHOLDER :
Let me think ... Mmmm ... Well, as far as I can remember, it was last Monday, that is Monday April 15, to make a purchase at Littlewood's in Chichester.
BANK CLERK :
Right, from now on, you're no longer liable for any fraudulent use of your card.
CARDHOLDER :
Fine, but what about last week, between last Monday and this Monday ?
BANK CLERK :
Unfortunately, you're liable for all the purchases a thief might have made with your card during that period.
CARDHOLDER :
Oh my God, but that's terrible ...
BANK CLERK :
I'm afraid the articles of your Visa card contract say you are liable for any fraudulent use of your card until and unless you report it to us. And you must write a letter of confirmation of your telephone statement and send it to your bank by registered mail at once.
CARDHOLDER :
What I don't understand is why shopkeepers never check the identity of the cardholders who make a purchase with a credit card.
BANK CLERK :
But customers are made to sign their bill as proof of their identity ... Oh, hold on, I may have some good news for you.
CARDHOLDER :
What ?
BANK CLERK :
Yes, that's right ... I've just found out you forgot to pick up your card when you made your purchase at Littlewood's last Monday, and the store's returned it to your bank.
CARDHOLDER :
Oh, what a relief ! How can I get it back ?
BANK CLERK :
You'll be able to retrieve it from your Barclay's branch, but not before another two weeks, as such occurrences require three weeks to be processed by the card centre.
CARDHOLDER :
Well, thank you very much indeed.
BANK CLERK :
My pleasure, Sir. And please next time, don't fail to notify us of the loss or theft of your card at once. Is that all ?
CARDHOLDER :
Yes, thank you, good bye.
BANK CLERK :
Good bye, Sir.
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