Dear Cheapskate: About a month ago I called to order merchandise from a company I’ve done business with previously. The customer service lady asked, “Will we be putting that on your MasterCard again today?” as she rattled off my account number. Because I’m in the process of moving, I have a major concern that the next person living here might receive a catalog with my name and customer number, call up and place an order, only to be given my card number by some friendly customer service rep! — Stacy M., California
Dear Stacy: You know, I’d never thought about that, but it is certainly something to consider. Some companies do keep credit card numbers on file. You point out a very good reason to opt out from any retention of payment details. At least one company, Citigroup, has a virtual credit card number program available for some of their credit cards. The way it works, you go online and receive a substitute credit card number that is good for only that one transaction. Your real number is never revealed to the merchant and provides great protection when ordering online or by phone.
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”
COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply