Final answer:
Consumers should provide credit card numbers or bank account information over the phone only when they initiated the call and are purchasing a legitimate product, the entity receiving this information is a legitimate company, and they feel confident that the receiving entity will protect such information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers should provide credit card numbers or bank account information over the phone only when:
- They initiated the call and are purchasing a legitimate product.
- The entity receiving this information is a legitimate company.
- They feel confident that the receiving entity will protect such information.
Providing credit card numbers or bank account information over the phone can be risky, so it is important to ensure that these conditions are met to protect against identity theft and fraud. It's generally safer for consumers to initiate the call themselves, especially when purchasing a legitimate product or service. This helps ensure that they are dealing with a reputable entity and reduces the risk of falling victim to scams or fraudulent activities.