Credit Card Refused. Why?

[ladybirder]

I used my Barclays CC over the phone this morning to make a purchase from Pets at Home, all OK. Then I went to a garage to fill up with petrol and attempted to use the same card to pay. At first I tapped my card on the paying device but it was refused. So I was then asked to put it into the slot but it was immediately declined. We tried both methods again and all declined. So embarrassing! I only had the one card with me so I went back home again to get another card and phoned Barclay Card. At first they confirmed all was well and when I insisted it wasn't and relayed what had happened I was told, "It looks like the wrong PIN has been used 3 times so we've blocked your card. Go online or check the app for a PIN reminder then reactivate your card at the ATM".
I never got as far as using my PIN because my card was declined before we got that far. When I said this I got a metaphoric shrug of the shoulders. I don't need to check for a PIN reminder I know my PIN.
Has anybody got any idea how this has happened because I'd love to know so I can make sure it doesn't happen again. It's put me in a right bad mood. Grrr!

[ladybirder]

But Prudie it couldn't have been the petrol station's card reader that caused it because it accepted my other card that I paid when I returned.
While I've got your attention, I had a new integrated fridge freezer installed about 3 weeks ago. I wondered if you had your replaced as you were having the same trouble. A brilliant local company came and measured for it and did a fantastic job fitting it as the doors had become slightly warped. The chap took such care to make sure there was not going to be any leakage. Loving my new Bosch FF. xx

[Prudie]

Hi LB, yes we also got ours sorted and absolutely thrilled with the service, fitting and actual fridge/freezer. We went with John Lewis in the end, their own brand (although I believe these are another well known brand under another name). It fits perfectly and the guys who installed it were charming :-) Not cheap mind you.

[ladybirder]

I thought mine was OK Prudie. The cost of the Bosch FF plus £100 installation.