Catalogue company demanding info on the phone

zaksmum

I occasionally buy from a catalogue but haven't done so for a while now.

Today they rang me several times, asking to speak to me then immediately demanding my date of birth and the first line of my address.

I ask what they want, and they say they're not allowed to discuss it without first verifying who they're speaking to.

I don't owe them anything - they probably want me to order something, so the call is of no interest to me.

I don't see why I should provide my date of birth and address to just anybody who wants to hassle me over the phone so I refused to, but they keep ringing back.

Is this common practice now - you're expected to verify your identity when THEY cold call YOU?

claire16c

No you are not. I would hang up on them the next time.

I mean how do you even know for sure its the catalogue company?? I wouldnt be giving them any information.

Plans_all_plans

I've had that before from companies. I just tell them that I know who I am and I have no desire to let an unsolicited caller know, so until they can be sensible, they're not to bother me again.

meritaten

zaksmum - dont give them any info over the phone! just tell them that under the Data Protection Act - They MUST prove THEIR identity to you!
(actually thats Bulldoody - but it usually flummoxes them into leaving you alone)!

victory

Never give them any info:D

zaksmum

Well that's true, they could be anybody, couldn't they? No wonder there's so much identity fraud if people just give their date of birth and address to anyone who calls demanding it.

They just called me again five minutes ago and I said I'm definitely not giving them my details. The woman said they will have to keep calling me then!

What is WRONG with these people???

victory

zaksmum wrote: »

Well that's true, they could be anybody, couldn't they? No wonder there's so much identity fraud if people just give their date of birth and address to anyone who calls demanding it.

They just called me again five minutes ago and I said I'm definitely not giving them my details. The woman said they will have to keep calling me then!

What is WRONG with these people???

She actually said she will have to keep calling you?:eek:

Wow, take down the company name her name the times and take all evidence to their head office

CH27

Ask for a contact name & number & say you will ring them back.
If they are genuine they will understand.

crazyguy

Tell them to Pi$$ off thats all I do when they phone up and insist on asking for my details.

Evansangel

I used my 'telling off' voice when simply be were harrassing me, it seemed to work :rotfl:

Jinx

Refuse to give info over the phone, tell them to write to you if they have something to say.

Also, get a copy of your credit record in case you have been the victim of ID fraud.