Should I give security code over the phone?

henhog

Hi, wondered if anyone knows the answer to this one.
I was ordering monthly contact lenses from Specsavers this morning, as I have done many times before. I always pay for them with my credit card and give the sixteen digit card number and expiry date. Today they wanted the security code as well. I didn't give it and they got shirty, saying it was for my security. However, I thought that if someone has this as well as the sixteen digit number and expiry date they then have free reign to order what they want over the internet. They said the numbers aren't recorded and are deleted as soon as the order is processed, but there is nothing to stop someone writing it all down by hand.
Was I being over cautious? Is this standard procedure?
Thanks for any help / advice.

grumbler

henhog wrote:

Was I being over cautious?

I think you was. Asking you about CSC they check that you are actually is in possession of the card, but don't use some card receipt from a bin. I don't see a big difference between buying something online (when CSC is usually needed) and by phone.

reddevilled

I have often worried about this, but if you ever spot an unexpected / fraudulent transaction then the credit card companys are usually very good at sorting it out for you.

kidder44

When i carried out a balance trasfer on my new &more card, they asked for my card number, expiry date, and the security code on the back of the card. Is this normal?

Kidder44

James

Sometimes your asked for your security code when ordering goods over the phone, sometimes your not. Sometimes your asked for it on the Internet, sometimes your not.

Sometimes some of your card details appear on a transaction slip, sometimes some are omitted or ALL are included:

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/lancashire/archive/2005/07/05/BENLETTERS5ZM.html

Would others agree that it appears there's a lack of communication between card issuers and cardholders as is shown by the confusion over the security code (CVV).

I wonder why the card industry can't get their act together and standardise?

Milarky

Well in the case of &More I assume you know the number you were calling was to &More. IF you know who it is you are speaking to - and can therefore find them agin at any time later - then there is no real problem with giving this additional info. As Grumbler has pointed out, the CSC [also known as a 'CVN'] is a safeguard that tells the issuer/merchant etc that the card is being used by the legitimate user [or someone else with their permission!] It therefore covers the bank.

Rafter

Disclosing the CVV code over the phone is fine - it is partly what it is there for.

It proves you are in possession of the card, rather than someone who has found out the card number and expiry date from going through a bin or something.

You are only ever liabile for fraudulent use of your card if you don't report it lost or stolen or if you disclose your four digit pin number to anyone or write it down with your card.

R.

henhog

Rafter wrote:

Disclosing the CVV code over the phone is fine - it is partly what it is there for.

It proves you are in possession of the card, rather than someone who has found out the card number and expiry date from going through a bin or something.

You are only ever liabile for fraudulent use of your card if you don't report it lost or stolen or if you disclose your four digit pin number to anyone or write it down with your card.

R.

Thanks for this info. My bank phoned me not so long ago to sell me credit card insurance in case the card was lost or stolen. They told me I was liable even if I reported the card lost or stolen as they would only refund so much omeny on each or the first transaction (can't remember which). They meant that if the card was used, say ten times, I would be liable for some of that money. I know I'm not making myself entirely clear because I can't remember everything she said, but do you know if the gist of what she said is right?
Thanks,
Henhog

YorkshireBoy

henhog wrote:

I know I'm not making myself entirely clear because I can't remember everything she said, but do you know if the gist of what she said is right?

There is absolutely no point in speculative comment on the "gist" of a conversation initiated by a member of staff from a bank we don't know.

It's clear you haven't read/don't understand your card's T&C's. Only your bank/card issuer can answer your questions.

DaveK

They told me I was liable even if I reported the card lost or stolen[\quote]

What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How can you be liable even if you've reported the card as lost or stolen! Once you've done that it's their problem if someone can still use the card as they should block it.

I'd read your T&Cs because that just doesn't sound right to me. Maybe call them again and ask them to explain it again!!!!

jonesMUFCforever

I have one definite rule about this:
If I ring someone to order then I happily give my card number, expiry date and 3 digit security code (if asked).
If someone rings me asking for information I say nowt.
Eric