blueforce's Journal: Security

My wife tried to pay a hospital bill with our flexible spending account debit card the other day but my name is on the card. So the lady in receivables told her that I had to authorize the charge. Ok, fine. I can understand that right up to this point....

This is a telephone conversation I just had (Laugh if you must):

[Automated Attendant]: Hello, you've reached the business office. If you know your party's extension, dial it now otherwise stay on the line.

(first off... business office of WHAT???)

hold.
hold.
hold.
hold.
ring.
OP: Hello, this is [Namechangedtoprotectme], may I have your account number?

Me: I don't know it. Whomever called last night to leave the message said it so fast I couldn't write it down. I listened to the message 5 times but couldn't write it down.

OP: Ok. Sorry about that, what phone number did they call you at?

Me: [Say Phone Number Here - think to self "that's secure."]

OP: Uh-huh. Hmm.... is this about [my son]?

Me: I dunno. All I know is my wife tried to pay a bill, you wouldn't let her and left a message for me to call. Actually, I don't even know who I'm talking to.

OP: Ok..... [punches keyboard].... It looks like someone just wanted your authorization to charge your credit card, is that correct?

Me: Sure. Go ahead. Charge it. Pay the bill. Send me a receipt, please.

OP: Ok... thank you. We'll send a paid-in-full receipt out in the mail this afternoon.

Me: Great. Thanks a bunch.

OP: bye.

It's apparent that common sense is an oxymoron. I'm glad to know how safe my information is in their hands.