Virgin Media SIM-Only: Debit Card Details for ID Check?

PlatinumChaos

Hi. My wife just phoned Virgin Media to try to take out a 30-day SIM-only contract as a new customer, and in the course of the conversation with the Virgin customer service lady, she was asked for her bank account details and also all her debit card details, including the long number on the front and the CVV/CVC code on the back. When she challenged this, she was assured that it was necessary for the ID check. Is this correct? When we're constantly being told to be on our guard for scams and the like, it's extremely unnerving disclosing all this information. Was she right to terminate the call? My step-son and I both got the same customer service number from separate sources after a Google search, but we're just really unsure about this. Thanks for any advice.

PHK

Debit cards have been used for ID checks for many years, including in stores. They place a small charge to the card which confirms the address. 

Incidentally, you should always get the phone number from the businesses website and not through a Google search. (Some companies will pay for ads and connect you through a premium rate number )