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You receive a call from someone purporting to represent your bank. There is a question about your credit information. Would you please give the caller your number so they can verify it?

No matter how many times the Federal Trade Commission and groups like privacyrights.org warn consumers never to give out credit card, checking account, or social security numbers over the phone, people do it and fall victim to identity theft. After all, most people want to keep their financial affairs in good shape and a call from their bank can be stressful.

Unless you are behind on a credit card payment there should be little reason for your bank to contact you and require your card number. Even then, you should be able to get around giving out information by saying that your check is in the mail (and then following through, if it isn't already). If you must follow up on a late payment, you should be the one making the call to them to work out arrangements for payment.

If someone is in the process of stealing your identity, your bank or credit card company may call to inform you of an unusual purchase they have noticed. The representative' may ask you for either the card number on the front or the code number on the back. Do not give either number out. If this happens to you, you should hang up and call the anti-fraud' number on the back of your card to verify what has taken place or go to the bank website and access your account. Better yet, if your credit card is through a bank with a local branch, go and talk the situation through with a bank employee. They can advise you on the next steps to take.

The bottom line is: Unless you have been the one to make the initial phone call, do not give out your credit card number.

Learn more about this author, Sandra Petersen.
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