IF GIVING A TRUSTED VENDOR YOUR CREDIT CARD INFO...

[Rev Rob]

Bloke, is that shipping address or billing address or both
Inquiring minds want to know

My billing address (a P.O. Box) and shipping address are different.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

At my former place of business (NAPA), we didn't require the information described by bloke, but they saved our business a small charge if we provided them (at least, the zip code of the billing address did...I've never heard of typing in the street address nor did the machine ask for it).

Joe, are you saying you can't process the credit card transaction AT ALL without this information?

[Dan Schultz]

I don't take credit cards. But... If I did... I would not ship to an address other than the one that actually appears on the credit card unless I knew the purchaser personally.

Some folks don't like being asked to verify their identity but I ALWAYS thank cashiers who ask for a photo ID.

[MaryAnn]

When my Amazon account was hacked and someone bought a bunch of very expensive stereo equipment with my on-file CC#, I got a call from Amazon on Christmas day asking if I had made the purchase. What tipped them off was that this stuff was a) not what I'd usually buy, which is CDs, vitamins, and books, and b) the address was not my billing address.

What I don't know is whether the crook got the stuff he ordered; I do know that I was not billed for it, and the CC was cancelled as soon as I called my CC company.

The last ebay purchase I made (should have the contra-alto Tuesday) the vendor also wanted the three-digit identifying number from the back of the card. Since I had seen him referred to here as someone someone knew (positively) I didn't have trouble giving him that. I'm pretty much done with Paypal's games for the time being.

MA

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Interesting. And MA's response reminded me that, at NAPA, we also needed the 3-digit code on the back to "save money" on the transaction when the card wasn't present to be swiped.

Different card processing company policies, I suppose.

[Rick F]

Interesting. And MA's response reminded me that, at NAPA, we also needed the 3-digit code on the back to "save money" on the transaction when the card wasn't present to be swiped.

Different card processing company policies, I suppose.

I'm pretty sure the reason they ask for the 3 digit code on the back of the card (when using your CC over the phone or online) is to prove you have the card in your possession... vs just the number from a stolen receipt or carbon.

[Dan Schultz]

There's no end to it. My very small mortgage was sold off two months ago. I called the new company to get the payoff and was immediately asked for the FIRST FIVE DIGITS of my SS number. I've been asked to verify the last FOUR digits many times but that's the first time I've been asked for the first FIVE over the phone. I refused and the requester 'settled' for my last four.

I don't put up with being asked for my SS number. I'll guarantee that EVERYONE at the back where I do business knows me very well these days.... after I threw several fits in the lobby about how banks don't give a damn any more about personal services. I think they sound some sort of alarm when I walk through the door these days. That's OK. At least they know who the heck I am!