| Research has determined that the number one reason | | | | to that web address making it completely useless to a |
| many people still don't shop on the Internet is the fear | | | | hacker as they can't take that card number anywhere |
| that their personal information, including their credit card | | | | else. The transaction gets completed and the |
| numbers, could fall into the hands of website hackers. | | | | consumer and bank is the only people who know the |
| Well, I can't say it hasn't happened in the past, there | | | | 16 pin issued number. |
| has been a lot of fraud on the Internet. As time | | | | These virtual cards are currently issued to holders of |
| matures, state and federal laws have materialized to | | | | Citi, Discover and NBNA cards and were specifically |
| protect consumers and banks have initiated policies | | | | designed to enhance the peace of mind for |
| that protect consumers that are victims of credit card | | | | consumers concerned about credit card fraud. The |
| fraud. | | | | system process differs slightly for each card but their |
| Still with all the safeguards and recourse currently | | | | principle purpose is the same. To get a virtual card |
| available to consumers, its not so much the damage to | | | | consumer's sign up for it at their credit cards website; |
| their wallets that worries consumers about online | | | | this then provides a means to download security |
| shopping (as many card issuers promise zero liability | | | | software onto their personal computer. When the |
| for any online purchases) it's the potential damage and | | | | consumer is ready to shop, they receive a randomly |
| subsequent loss to the consumers integrity and | | | | generated card number they can use at their selected |
| reputation. It is a time consuming affair to sort out the | | | | online store. |
| mess to one's consumer report and the agony does | | | | These cards were specifically designed for Internet |
| fall upon the consumers shoulders to fix the mess | | | | shopping but their uses have been expanded to allow |
| when one is a victim of identity theft. | | | | consumers to make goods or services purchases |
| Still there are measures to take and some common | | | | through the mail and via phone. There are limitations to |
| sense fraud avoidance tips that minimize online fraud. | | | | the virtual cards use as they can not be used at a |
| Checking web based and card issued privacy policies | | | | brick and mortar establishment that require the |
| is prudent. Make sure transactions are handled in a | | | | traditional plastic card. Additionally a virtual card could |
| secure or encrypted environment. Looking for | | | | not be used for purchases that require a credit card to |
| trustworthy symbols such as the BBB or Trust-e | | | | be produced at the time of product pick-up such as |
| emblem symbols is wise. Consumers should steer | | | | for a rental car or theater tickets. |
| clear of Email offers; check their credit card | | | | The virtual credit card has only been around about six |
| statements routinely for suspicious transactions and | | | | years and its use has not gained wide spread |
| shred pre-approved credit offers or other documents | | | | popularity. However the card availability has not |
| containing personal information before throwing them | | | | actually been aggressively promoted to the general |
| out. | | | | public concerned about computer security. Is the card |
| Still worried? Consider a virtual credit card (VCC, virtual | | | | really necessary? One could say it is about as relative |
| card or single use card) which offers online shoppers | | | | as any security measure one is willing to take. It is |
| and added layer of security. These card numbers | | | | simply an additional layer of security one can |
| once issued expire within one to three months and are | | | | implement to protect themselves or provide an added |
| only good on the website where one makes a | | | | peace of mind. |
| personal purchase. A random card number is provided | | | | |