British Gas requesting Credit Card details by 'phone

Axotyl99

I was called today by someone asking to book my annual British Gas HomeServe c/heating appointment. They asked for my post-code, and if there was any problem with my c/heating system.

I mentioned a thermostat wasn't working, and they said this could be repaired on the service call, but they needed to charge £60 excess (part of my contract), and could they have my credit card details.

With family members having monthly calls from BT scammers (your broadband is faulty, your computer is showing a fault etc.) asking for credit card details, I was suspicious and ended the call.

I contacted British Gas who said the call was genuine. Apart from the fact that British Gas have not approached me regarding GDPR (staring today), this procedure is open to abuse.

So Mr Crook phones through the directory until they get a customer with a British Gas contract, and sure, a service seems an innocent request. Post-code and credit card info supplied, and the scam is complete, and your account cleared out.

Does anyone these days supply their c/card details to phone callers, plus address details?

Can British Gas request c/card details on the phone?

Do British Gas comply with current GDPR?

PennineAcute

On an incoming call, no chance.

If I made the call, then yes I would.

Yes, BG can request your card details. It is up to you if you want to give these.

No comment on your final question.

scd3scd4

They do work like that but only when I have phoned them. Just ring them back on their number.


You must have an excess service agreement, hence they do ask you to pay upfront. If you had said you had no issues then they could not have asked for anything.