What card details to give for payment over phone? The long card number, CVV, expiry date, and card name. When you buy over the phone, you are engaging in “card not present” shopping. During Cardholder Not Present (CNP) transactions, if there are any disputes over the transaction, the cardholder is often given the benefit of the doubt.
Let’s say you are considering booking a BBQ site, and your only option is over the phone. You need to provide your card details. However, you are concerned about the safety of your card information since you have to read out your card number, expiry date, and the three-digit code on the back of the card over the phone. In some cases, they may require your postcode.
Note that these requests are standard. However, sometimes, you might be asked for Verified By Visa or MasterCard SecureCode information. You should never provide these details over the phone. Even banks rarely ask for this information, especially for transactions of low value.
While legit, there is always a risk over the phone, as is online and in person. Fortunately, there are several consumer protection measures to protect your pocket. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, just notify your bank. Usually, it’s the merchants who end up bearing the brunt of fraudulent card transactions.
Should You Give Card Details Over Phone?
If you are buying online using card not present, you should give your debit or credit card details, including the number, expiry date, and CVV on the back of the card. However, there is a risk that the person could steal your information.
If you prioritize card security, avoid sharing any card details over the phone; it’s not a secure method of communication. Of course, there are situations where it might seem necessary, such as making a payment on a website. If so, only use a card that you don’t mind being compromised. It can be a disposable card.
Remember that you should be the one initiating the call when giving out your card details, not the other way around. If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank or card issuer and asking for your personal information, it’s likely a scam. Only provide your card details to merchants that you contact directly.
What Card Details to Give for Payment Over Phone?
When paying for something over the phone, below are the card details to give for payment over phone:
- The long card number that’s on the front of your debit or credit card
- The card’s expiry date, which is four digits
- The three-digit CVV code, which is on the back of the card near the signature strip
- The address where you get your card statements (your billing address)
- If the item you’re buying is going to be shipped, the address where it should be sent (this might be different than your billing address) and its zip code
- A phone number where you can be reached
Do not give out your PIN. Also, unless you are setting up a direct debit, there’s no need to provide your bank account number and sort code.
Should I Give My CVV Number Over the Phone?
When a merchant requests your CVV number over the phone, they require it to process your credit card payment. The responsibility falls on the merchant to ensure the security of this sensitive information. If they ask for it over the phone, they are risking their reputation and could face penalties if your card information is compromised.
While they might offer alternatives such as providing your CVV through email or fax, these methods are generally considered less secure than a phone call. If you are uncomfortable sharing your CVV over the phone, notify the merchant.
As for why the merchant can’t just process the sale without your CVV, it comes down to cost. Transactions without a CVV often have a higher discount rate, which can significantly impact the cost of a purchase. For example, on a small purchase like a $1 candy bar, the difference may be negligible. However, for a larger purchase of $1200, the increase from a 1.9% to a 5.75% discount rate can be substantial. Therefore, merchants are unlikely to process a sale without the CVV.
Is it Safe to Give Debit Card Number and CVV Over the Phone?
When sharing your debit card number and CVV over the phone, it’s generally not a safe practice. The CVV, which is the 3-digit number on the back of your card, along with your card details can make you vulnerable to fraudulent transactions, especially for debit cards since they are directly linked to your bank account.
You can protect yourself by using prepaid cards for phone payments. In case of fraud, your loss is limited to the amount loaded on the card.
When you need to make a phone payment, always obtain the phone number from a reliable source and dial it yourself.
Are You Protected?
A card not present purchase requires card details to give for payment over phone, and you will be interacting with a human agent. This human element adds a layer of risk because the agent could compromise your card information. Moreover, your card information could be intercepted by a third party during the call.
There is protection for you, thankfully. Major card issuers have established the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). This council has developed the Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to dictate how merchants should handle customer card information received over the phone. The PCI DSS outlines specific measures that should be taken to protect your card details.
According to the PCI DSS, merchants cannot retain your card’s CVV and other sensitive authentication data after the transaction has been completed. This rule may be overridden by government regulations, but in general, the CVV should not be stored.
Merchants should not also store your full primary account number unless it’s necessary. If they do, they must take adequate measures to protect it. However, merchants are allowed to retain other information, such as your name and the card’s expiration date.
Tips to Protect Your Card Details from Scam
Do you have the card details to give for payment over phone? Now, you want to make sure your card details are protected from potential scams.
Verify the Caller’s Identity
- Never give out your credit card number unless you initiated the phone call.
- If you receive a call requesting your card information, take a moment to verify who the caller is. You can even hang up and call the organization back to confirm if they indeed tried to reach you.
Choose a Private Location
If you need to give your card details over the phone, find a quiet, private space to make the call. You don’t want anyone else to overhear your card information. In a public place, consider completing the transaction online instead.
Confirm Purchase Details
Before ending the call, ask the merchant to confirm the details of your purchase, including the amount, and any other relevant information, such as itinerary details when booking travel.
Check Your Account Promptly
After providing your card details over the phone, review your account to ensure the correct amount was charged. This way, if you find any unauthorized activity, you report the transaction.
Keep Records
When speaking with customer service, jot down the date, time, and name of the person. Let them know that you have a clear record of who has received your card information.
Consider Alternative Payment Options
For added security, you might want to use prepaid cards for phone payments. With a prepaid card, your loss is limited to the amount loaded onto the card.
Final Thoughts
If you notice an unknown charge on your card after giving the details over the phone, contact your card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Transactions made over the phone are protected in the same manner as online and in-person purchases, thanks to the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). This law limits your liability to $50 for any unauthorized transactions.
[note note_color=”#b2a2da” text_color=”#333333″ radius=”3″]Resources
- FAQ: Can card verification codes/values be stored for card-on-file or recurring transactions? PCI
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): How It Protects Consumers. Investopedia
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