Emily and Matt

As I was getting my hair cut Wednesday night, an unknown number called my phone. Checking the voicemail while chatting with Jen, who does my hair, I thought I heard “fraud alert.” Not wanting to panic, I tried my best to forget about it and handle it after I was done. I was with Matt when I finally got cell service. Needless to say, both of us were really nervous when I called the number.

I entered my access code and the automated guy spoke as I nervously bit my lower lip.

“There has been a fraud alert put on your credit card. The activity was from Oct. 14.”

My heart was racing and Matt and I gripped hands and took a deep breath.

“A total of $7.49 was charged to your account.”

Wait, what?

“The purchase was in the category of fast food. If you did not make this purchase, please contact us immediately.”

All fear dissipated into sheer laughter. Sure, I had been busted for bad eating habits by my credit card, but really, I just had a burrito from a local chain burrito store. (It was actually a Hawaiian burrito, very interesting.) Maybe it was getting the “regular” sized fountain soda instead of the small that triggered the alert. They were right that these purchases fall out of my normal realm of spending. So, thank you, credit card company, for your innovative plan to scare people with alerts to keep them from consuming french fries and the like.