She typed that too.

Elena stared at the payment terminal at the airport currency exchange. The clerk slid her Visa card back across the counter with a bored look. “Try another card, ma’am.”

Vera: To unblock your Visa, please confirm your identity. Last four digits of SSN?

Panic nipped at her throat. She had no cash, no other cards, and a flight home in three days. Calling the 1-800 number from Germany meant international fees and a two-hour hold. The bank’s app required a one-time passcode sent to her U.S. number—which didn’t work overseas.

Vera: I see a declined transaction for $3,847.21 in Singapore. Did you attempt this?

Elena exhaled. She walked back to the currency exchange, heart still hammering. The same clerk raised an eyebrow.