Advice needed - VOIP Supplier asking for utility bill

[2Grumpy]

Hi I need some advice

 

I get cheap phone calls over broadband using VOIP. I pay in advance by credit card. On my 3rd topup I got the following message:

 

 

Dear ******

 

Thank you for your order for ********* calling credit.

 

In order to reduce fraud on the Internet, it is sometimes necessary to

verify orders. Once your details have been verified we can apply the

credit you ordered onto your account.

 

In order to verify your identity please send a copy of one of the

following documents (in order of preference):

 

1. A utility bill showing your name and card billing address

2. A recent credit card bill for the card used

3. A recent bank statement showing your card billing address

 

This can be sent to us either by fax on *************** or ******************, or by email to ************* (JPEG or GIF attachments only).

 

We do not accept mobile phone bills or online statements.

 

Please also provide us a daytime landline contact number if the one

listed on your ********** account is not correct.

 

If we do not receive a reply within 48 hours, your order will be

cancelled and your money refunded to your credit card.

 

We apologise for any inconvenience that these checks may cause you but

hope that you will understand the necessity and support us in

combating fraud, which ultimately keeps your calling rates low.

 

Best Regards,

*******************

 

Am I being paranoid thinking that I am sending documents that could be used for identity fraud? I don't mind paying by credit card because that's their problem if it goes wrong. I don't even know where these people are. I might have used 3 different credit cards (I switch cards throughout the month to get max credit).

 

These people are the cheapest that I could find

 

2Grumpy

 

[buzby]

Only slightly - they're doing this to ensure the CC you are using is indeed the one that belongs to you. I'd send them an old bill but blank off anything that does not concern them other than the address. (References, amounts etc).

[2Grumpy]

Good idea buzby. I will do that.

 

I was wondering whether the banks were asking or if it's just a company thing. I was surprised that they asked on my 3rd top-up.