Fax Credit Card Information
Sometimes it is not practical to give your credit card information to someone on the phone and you need another method to give it to them. It is never a good idea to send private information of this nature by e-mail. However, if it's been a while since you've blown the dust off your fax machine, the good news is that it is an excellent way to send credit card information because it is fast, secure and easy.
Instructions
1. Check to see if they have a fax number.
Check to see whether the vendor you want to purchase from has a fax number. Most legitimate companies still do. Sometimes the number is listed on their website. For other companies, you may need to call and ask for it.
2. Call ahead and alert them you will be sending a fax.
Call ahead to alert the company that you will be sending a fax. This is standard operating procedure for any super important document, such as tax information, vendor forms, medical information, and so on. If you call ahead, you can guarantee that your credit card information won't wind up on an out tray in some corner of the office waiting for an identity thief to scoop it up.
3. The security code usually is found on the back.
Fill out a piece of paper with your credit card information. Make sure to print your full name as it appears on the credit card statement. Include the three or four digit security code and the expiration date of your card. If you are ordering using an order form, put this information in the spaces provided. If not, any typed piece of paper will do.
4. Dial the number very carefully.
Start the fax. With almost all fax machines, you push a button called something similar to "Start Fax" or "Begin." Load the document you just filled out, being sure that the side with your information on it matches the side your fax machine will scan. Then carefully dial the fax number you wish to reach and press the start button. On most machines, you will hear a dial tone, followed by the numbers being dialed in quick succession. After this, you should hear the normal sounds of a phone ringing and being answered. Your document will feed itself into the fax machine.
5. Check back to make sure they received your fax.
Call back to make sure that they received the fax. With any luck, they should have received it immediately. Your order can be processed quickly and easily, and there is no chance of some identity thief or hacker grabbing your information between you and the recipient.
