Just How Much Info Is Too Much for Credit Card Purchases?

If you’ve been to any number of retailers recently, you may have noticed not only do they want your credit card, your signature, and your billing zip code, many clerks are delving further into your private information. What happens when they go too far and ask for stuff you just don’t want to divulge?

Here are some tips for handling a credit card purchase that gets too personal:

Do the Minimum

If the clerk hands over your receipt and asks for more information that your signature such as your address, phone, or email address, simply sign the receipt as you are required and hand it back. In most cases, the clerk will not pay too much attention to what you have done and you can go on your way.

Refuse the Request

If the clerk does notice you have not completed anything besides your signature and asks for more information, politely let them know you do not give out personal information. A clerk will likely notate that you refused or declined to provide other data and let you have your purchases.

Cite the Rules

In the event a retailer is adamant about your information, you can simply let them know that neither MasterCard nor Visa require that cardholders provide any information outside of a signature for the credit card use. Many clerks may actually be surprised to know this fact and let you go.

Ask for the Manager

If you are being hassled for information you truly do not want to give out, ask to speak with a manager who can authorize a purchase without any more frustration.

Fake It

If you are over the situation, just dole out a fake phone number to satisfy the clerk. They likely won’t be checking.

Give The Ultimatum

If the situation has gone overboard, there is nothing stopping you from canceling the transaction and asking for a credit refund. Many retailers would not be pleased to lose a sale. If you feel you can get better, less complicated service elsewhere ask for your credit slip and ditch your merchandise in the checkout aisle.

Regardless of how far the situation goes, it’s always in your best interest to remain calm and polite. In most cases the clerk is just doing their job, even if the merchant is going against the rules. You don’t have to provide any information about yourself, your credit card, or your personal finances you are not comfortable with and no one can make you.

This is especially important in times of credit card fraud and professional con artists who are after your personal data. Likewise at stores, you should never give out personal information over the phone, in an email, or even in person unless you are confident in whom you are speaking is legitimate. Protecting your personal information and financial data is key to preventing identity thefts and all the red tape resolving identity issues involves.