putting my debit card number in the post

filigree_2

I subscribe to a magazine for my son, and they have written to say they can't collect the Direct Debit because the card number is out of date. They're quite right, I did just get sent a new chip&pin card.

There was a tear off slip at the bottom of the letter saying effectively "write your card number here and post it to us".

I've tried to phone but it's 0870 and it just rings and rings.

Am I right to be concerned about the safety of just putting my card number in the post? I don't pay for anything else that way. I usually pay for distant services by booking online or over the phone.

Any advice appreciated.

davidcampbell

they will want the expiry date as well i imagine. in theory with just your card number not much can be done. with the expiry date then possibly a risk

i think though anything booked over phone/internet these days needs svv number as well from back of card so should be ok. obviously anythign face to face would be chip/pin and likewise ok.

i would say only slight risk though.

maybe ask them for a direct debit mandate instead - this would only need the sortcode/acc number and is much safer

or have a look on their website/ in the phonebook for a different number for them? try it that way?


DC

Debt_Free_Chick

Return the slip, but an extra 60-70p (can't remember precise amount) to have the letter sent Recorded Delivery.

Check the T&Cs for your debit card to see what you have to do to gain protection against having your card fraudulently used. As it's chip & pin, I think you're probably covered as you are not revealing your Pin.

carl310166

Recorded Delivery does not mean it will get to it's destination,but if it does,you will get a signature.

Special Delivery is a secure next day delivery,but cost is about £3.65.

grumbler

filigree wrote:

... they can't collect the Direct Debit because the card number is out of date. They're quite right, I did just get sent a new chip&pin card.

Direct Debit has nothing to do with the card number! DD uses only account number and sort-code. Both of them remain unchanged even if a new card with a new number is issued.

filigree_2

grumbler wrote:

Direct Debit has nothing to do with the card number! DD uses only account number and sort-code. Both of them remain unchanged even if a new card with a new number is issued.

Sorry, my mistake - it's a regular payment, not a Direct Debit.

I'll try to track down a non-0870 number and give them a ring.

student100

Could this be a rare case where you want to dig out the chequebook instead?