I always have a few extra 800 #'s registered that I don't need, so that when the time comes that I do need them I can get them used quickly. All of them have automatic answering that clearly states our company name, website and what we do.

None of these #'s, however, are used. They're not given out to clients, they're not listed on anything the company signs up for, and they're not listed on the website. So when we get calls on them, it can only be people trying to contact the prior owner of the number.

Yet, even though they clearly hear our company name, they still proceed to give out vital information. Account numbers, order numbers, even credit card numbers. I have these unused numbers forwarded to my cell phone, I even once, answered the phone, told the guy he had the wrong number, hung up, and he called again, and left his credit card number on the voice mail!

Why are people such careless with this information?! My lord. I know I'm much more careful handing out vital information like that.

It is scary when things like this happen. People are still so afraid to enter the cc information on the net, but they will call a number (and since they can never make a mistake), will give it out. Or they will give their credit card over to a waiter/waitress in a restaurant without thinking twice.

Why? because this is the "norm". People have been calling / eating forever and do not see the harm in it. Hopefully the internet will become status quo very soon as well.

The other part of the problem is that people know how easy it is to charge back an unauthorized sale. In fact, it is really TOO easy to do it these days.

But yes - people are often careless about a lot of things and sometimes don't appreciate that there are consequences to their actions or inactions.

All that being said, the other sad fact is that we are all required to disclose personal information all of the time. Think about it for just a minute - how many times have you given out your SSN#?

Answer: lots of times. Every time you apply for a car loan, home loan, re-financing, medical payment, financial service. Now imagine all of the people involved in those processes and it is no wonder why identity theft happens as much as it does.