marks and spencer &more security call

number9

I received a phone call today and they (Asian lady supposedly from "m & s security" ) wanted my dated of birth and security details.

I refused and asked why, but she persisted. I told her that the balance on the card was now nil, it wouldn't be used again and that it was about to be closed. She still persisted.

I said that there was no reason for me to give the details over the phone and I would not, in any case, as a security measure (!) and if there was anything for her to report about my account (possible misuse??) then she could just tell me.

She then said could I call her back with the details - "NO!!"
She then said she would send a letter.

All strange stuff - she wouldn't tell me why she called! May be just a case of the foreign call centre syndrome again but, who knows??

belfastgirl23

I know I did have a call from them once within about 90 seconds of trying to do an online overseas transaction (it was buying rail travel abroad so would probably have shown up as odd on my account). I take it you hadn't been trying to do anything with the card? Otherwise can't imagine why they would do this??

Wyndham

Sounds like a scam to me

I'm sure you did the right thing.

G-G_4

Some people just don't understand the fact that people are unwilling to just hand out their personal details..

I know it's different, but I went bankrupt last month and one of the debt collection agencies range me and wanted my street name, mothers maiden name and date of birth before continuing with the call. I told her I wasn't prepared to give that information on the phone, I had gone bankrupt and sent letter to everyone including them about 2 weeks ago... she went on and on, and I said, 'look, i'm bankrupt, you arn't going to get any money, so unless you are going to give me money you may aswell sod off as this is wasting my time'.. she ended by saying they would write to me, and I still havn't received the letter..

I would think that they were probably wanting to know why you hadn't been using the card, or offering you a special rate.

If you are concerned then ring m&s and ask them if everything is still ok with your account, just to be sure.

Well done for standing up to the bullies on the phone tho~!

twistedeagle

I have similar problems with HSBC calling me. They ask for my Date of Birth and Post Code before proceeding with the call. I refuse and they can't understand why I would do so!!

However when A+L call (English centre), they give me a reference so I can call them myself and continue with the call. They are more understanding!

I think it is more the fact that the "script" doesn't allow for refusal!

number9

Oh! The damn "script" - if you deviate from it they are LOST!

I would advise everyone to keep their details private - especially if there is no given reason for their request!

gt94sss2

twistedeagle wrote: »

I think it is more the fact that the "script" doesn't allow for refusal!

According to number9's original post, M&S stated 'I call her back' as an option - which sounds perfectly reasonable.. just use the number on the back of the card to do so to guarantee you know who you are talking too..

In that sense, number9's behaviour sounds a bit OTT (to me) at that point - especially if its a possible case of fraud/suspicious transactions they want to check on.

In my own case, I would want them to confirm that ASAP - and not wait for a letter in the post...

I also wouldn't want them to tell whoever answered the phone that there was a possible case of fraud/suspicious transactions to anyone just because they answered the telephone..

Regards
Sunil