MBNA identity theft concerns?

Stu2531

I recently took out an MBNA card because I am entering an Arctic endurance race and with Covid and other risks I wanted the costs to have added protection you get when paid on a credit card. So I have tried to make three payments all of which were declined. The first two meant sitting on hold for 45 minutes to get through to a call handler who then put e on hold for a further 15 minutes to the security team to eventually get the block lifted. The third payment I tried to make today followed the previous two until the chap from the security team said that my call had to be transferred again to another specialist team. This time no hold music and a very short wait another man answered and asked for all of the same confirmation information I had previously given, card number, full name, d.o.b, memorable question. He then asked if could give him my passport number to formally identify myself. Having already confirmed three times my identity I struggled to understand why they then required my passport number and indeed what system a call centre would have available to them to run a check on me. If anyone should wish to steal someone's identity I can't think of any other information they would need. I refused to provide it and instead have decided to clear the balance and close any dealings with MBNA. Am I being overly concerned/cautious and has anyone else experienced this and if genuine should banks be doing it? Should I report it and to whom?