Top of credit card statement?

Lord_Gardener

Have been asked by a merchant to sent top of credit card statement to show proof of address for the address where the credit card is registered to - will not accept copies or faxes. The merchant says that they need this before they will send my goods out. They say that this is to protect both parties against fraudulent transactions. They will send my documentation back with my order. I've not been asked this before, any thoughts?

kuohu

I suppose if you cut off just the part of the statement with your name and address (and no other info like account no, card no etc) then it can't do any harm. But how does this help prevent fraudulent transactions?

Out of interest, what are the goods you are purchasing? Is it very very high value?

humfer

A little odd, but most online shops do state rules about credit card being registered to a particular address. Would send them a photocopy of the statement but as the other poster has said, cover any information your unsure about sharing

---lee---

Lord_Gardener wrote:

Have been asked by a merchant to sent top of credit card statement to show proof of address for the address where the credit card is registered to...

The registered card address can be checked electronically at the same time as the card details are processed, so this is complete rubish. I would tell them to stick it and order elsewhere.

Mikeyorks

Thoughts - yes. That your Credit Card supplier verifies that the address related to the transaction (I presume you paid by CC) is that registered to the card, when they authorise the transaction.

At the same time they are validating that you have sufficient unused funds - and that the transaction value is within your normal spending parameters.

So you should ask yourself - and the merchant you are purchasing from - why they require supplementary confirmation?

I had the same with a camera purchase for over £600. Put it on a CC for safety - saw the transaction authorised (online account) by my supplier. Next day had a request for my passport and original Council Tax bill, before they would fulfil the order!

Tried to ring and couldn't get through. Eventually managed it next day (by which time they had the funds from my CC) - and (cut a long story short) they wouldn't budge. Said it was 'anti - fraud' but couldn't explain why or attempt to understand why I kept saying that my refusal to submit such documents was 'anti ID theft'!!

They cancelled the order, I got a refund a week later - and the camera slightly cheaper at a less perplexing retailer.

It's your choice - but personally I wouldn't supply the data. The authorisation checks between their merchant acquirer and your CC supplier should be adequate. If they're not adequate - then the whole industry needs to change - not one retailer on an idiotic DIY expedition?

It's not an 'Internet xxxxx Direct' company by any chance??

Bernard_Coleslaw

Avoid. Go to a merchant that has at least half a clue.

Astaroth

Not all merchant accounts allow the vendor to check the address and this can be more common when you are talking about international transactions.

I ordered a turntable from Germany (where credit cards are very much a rarity - it took me 2 weeks to find a store that was in germany and actually accepted any form of card payment). I had to send them a copy of my card, statement and other proof of address before they accepted the order.

I wanted the £200 saving and so sent them the details they wanted - got the item quickly and have had no adverse experience from it (the order was made 2 years ago).

The questions comes down to how much you want to trade with this company -v- how reluctant you are to sending what they are asking for.

Mikeyorks

Astaroth wrote:

Not all merchant accounts allow the vendor to check the address and this can be more common when you are talking about international transactions.

Yes .. but I don't think we're discussing a 2 year old international transaction?;) The level of fraud has caused a considerable tightening of security over the last 18 months in the 'card holder not present' arena.

You try buying something with your CC online - and providing the wrong address. And I think you will find the transaction fails to be authorised

But it still doesn't excuse retailers doing the DIY bit, and demanding documents they have no right to. If the system doesn't work - then the industry needs to change it.

Lord_Gardener

Everyone, thanks for your input. My purchase is for a few K - a rock for Lady G! - from a reasonably well known company. I have sent a spy to check them out this past week and confirms all is pukka. I've also spoken to them direct and they confirm that this is their procedure - always done it! - but can't explain why? My bank also confirms that it is a load of nonsense, but if I only send name and address part of statement that I'd be ok. I have now sent top part of statment. I'll post the outcome of the deal.

LG

Astaroth

Mikeyorks wrote:

You try buying something with your CC online - and providing the wrong address. And I think you will find the transaction fails to be authorised

Unfortunately this isnt always true - there is one very large insurance company (who will remain nameless ) who currently do not even check for authority before trying to draw funds off a credit card let alone check basic things like if the address is correct.

Yes they have a multi billion pound turn over a year which is why companies are probably turning a blind eye to it which a smaller company couldnt get away with but dont think simply because one company has all the bells and whistles that they are in any way compulsary - companies simply get a discount on their card handling fees the more checks that they get their merchant services companies to do.

Lord_Gardener

My rock for Lady G has arrived today and she is very pleased! Company still can't explain how having top of credit card statement helps prevent fraud - it was returned!