What should you do when an account number given as a reference for a payment is unknown?

When faced with an unknown account number provided as a reference for a payment, the appropriate action is to contact the payer for clarification. This approach ensures that any potential discrepancies are addressed and that the payment is accurately applied to the correct account.

By reaching out to the payer, you can confirm details such as the account number itself, the correct identification of the payer, or any relevant transaction information that may help in resolving the uncertainty. This step is critical in maintaining the integrity of the billing process and preventing errors that could arise from misallocated payments.

Other options, while they may seem viable, do not effectively resolve the issue. Ignoring the payment could lead to complications with cash flow and customer relations. Relying on previous payment records may not yield accurate results if the payee has changed or if there are multiple accounts. Assigning a temporary account may create further confusion and complicate financial records. Thus, directly contacting the payer is the best course of action to ensure accurate and efficient billing practices.