One of my responsibilities as a Credit Manager is to call clients and request payments via Credit/Debit cards. I identify myself and state the name of the company I am calling from, and seem to have a reasonable amount of knowledge regarding your situation. I even tell you I already have your card number on file and I just need the "new" expiration date and security code (The 3-digit code on the back of the card). Should you readily give me your credit card number? The answer is no.
Fraud is a lucrative business and crooks are amazingly articulate liars – their "talents" could be used in better ways in my opinion, but the fact is, fraud is a quick road to cold-hard cash and attaining desired merchandise.
The information I share is nothing new, but rather a reminder to play it safe and gain control of the conversation by asking the caller a few questions of your own.
1) Ask the caller to read the card number he/she has on file to you.
2) Ask the caller for the main telephone number of the company he/she is calling from and you will gladly return the call momentarily and ask to speak to him or her.
3) Take a few moments to "locate a pen and piece of paper".
4) Thank him/her for their understanding and follow through in returning the call.
If the caller is a legitimate employee of a legitimate company, he/she will graciously comply with your requests. Most will applaud you in keeping your credit card number as safe as possible.
If a fraud, he/she will hang up or respond with an abrasive tone to intimidate you into giving your information. Even going to the point of making you feel as if you are trying to avoid paying your debt. Don't be fooled – hang up immediately. Then report a possible fraud - learn how by reading the following information at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/phonefraud/report.shtml.
We may not have control over the Internet hackers who steal our information; however, we have control over whom we voluntarily give our information to.
Too many clients, especially the ones who are embarrassed by a missed payment, are quick to give me their card numbers. Recently, I was happy when a client told me she did not feel comfortable giving me the number. I offered her the main telephone number instead of my extension. I giggled after the third time she put me on hold only to come back a bit surprised I was still on the line. She finally took my number and said she would call back shortly – which she did.
© Teresa Ortiz
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