Is date of birth needed for a retailer to check for credit card fraud?

onlyconnect

I was annoyed that a retailer web site demanded date of birth before accepting an order. I complained and got this response:

We require the date of birth to confirm that the person using the card is correct, as we go through security checks when processing your order. This is to prevent fraudulent orders, as well as for data protection purposes.

I'm a bit puzzled by this response (especially "for data protection purposes") but what about the security check? Most online credit card payments don't require you to give date of birth. Does this in fact give the retailer an additional security check?

Tim

jonesMUFCforever

You cannot legally enter into a contract until the age of majority. (18)

They can ask whatever they want to ask if you don't like it just move on to the next retailer.

opinions4u

It validates the date of birth you provide with that held by the credit card issuer.

It reduces the risk of YOUR card being used online by a third party.

While I don't see the relevance of the DPA to this, it is certainly sensible for the retailer to ask for this information as it help to protect them from losses incurred when they accept fraudulent transactions.

Why lose sleep over it?

chattychappy

I'm guessing the DPA issues are so that the retailer has a way of verifying someone if they phone up asking about the order.

moonrakerz

opinions4u wrote: »

While I don't see the relevance of the DPA to this,

It is the "stock" answer for any question they can't answer sensibly

onlyconnect

opinions4u wrote: »

It validates the date of birth you provide with that held by the credit card issuer.

OK, so it's possible for the retailer to verify DOB with the card issuer? If this is the case I'm surprised it is not more widely used. Having said which, there is no necessity for the retailer to retain it after the transaction completes.

opinions4u wrote: »

While I don't see the relevance of the DPA to this, it is certainly sensible for the retailer to ask for this information as it help to protect them from losses incurred when they accept fraudulent transactions.
Why lose sleep over it?

I just dislike demands for unnecessary personal information.

Thanks for this and the other responses.

Tim

Wutang_2

onlyconnect wrote: »

OK, so it's possible for the retailer to verify DOB with the card issuer? If this is the case I'm surprised it is not more widely used. Having said which, there is no necessity for the retailer to retain it after the transaction completes.



I just dislike demands for unnecessary personal information.

Thanks for this and the other responses.

Tim

Do you have any more pointless issues?

chattychappy

Wutang wrote: »

Do you have any more pointless issues?

Do you have any more pointless posts?

Wutang_2

chattychappy wrote: »

Do you have any more pointless posts?

Countless chatty - whys that?

sharpy2010

onlyconnect wrote: »

aving said which, there is no necessity for the retailer to retain it after the transaction completes.

Tim

How do you know that they do?

PNPSUKNET

vodafone used todo this check, if you dont have anything to hide cant see an issue.