M&S Credit Card - Overseas Call Centres

James

I've just been informed by M&S Call Centre staff that a message with next months statement will say that cardhodlers personal details will be passed to India.

In view of the recent severe breech of security in the USA
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121485,00.asp

Other than closing the account, has anyone out there, or M&S Financial Serivices Personnel any idea how one can stop your card/personal details being passed overseas?

For all those M&S cardholders who have issues with overseas call centres M&S Cards Providers can be contacted at Chester on 01244 879080

James

It's ironic that I posted the above when a Sun Reporter has managed to purchase 1000 cardholders account numbers and personal details.

The knock on effect of the American breach of 40 million cardholders details is that cardholders in Australia, Japan and China have been warned that their citizens who visited the States over a 10 month period and used their cards in the USA could be at risk. The UK card industry so far has remained silent.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/business/11954852.htm

http://www.samudaya.org/bb/viewtopic.php?t=173

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=AP&Date=20050623&ID=4912076

It's one thing having your details compromised if you use your cards abroad, but the point I am making is that is it right for UK card issuers (M&S etc) to move ALL your personal data and card details to another country without your express permission?

realaledrinker

Easy answer if you are concerned is to pay off your M&S card with a BT from the Co-operativebank, who have expressly stated that they will not relocate their customer services operations abroad (unless you count Scouseland as foreign!!)

James

In the case of M&S they have been operating an overseas call centre for financial products for 2 years without informing us. Surely banks and card issuers operating overseas call centres should inform consumers before they sign-up for their products? Those consumers who are already signed-up to such companies should be informed soonest.

The FSA's view is the same as your own - if you dont like the service your bank/card issuer provides - move.

The Information Commission - can do nothing about your personal data moving overseas.