| As computer technology increases and the use of the | | | | virtual credit card numbers is making it more |
| web continues to grow, you along with thousands of | | | | encouraging for people to make online purchases |
| others, are using computers and the internet to | | | | without the worry of becoming a victim of identity |
| complete many of your daily tasks. Everything from | | | | theft. Virtual credit card numbers, to put it simply, are |
| communication to balancing a checkbook to buying | | | | one-time use then throw it away numbers. When you |
| groceries, all of these tasks have become more | | | | are ready to make a purchase online you start by |
| convenient thanks to computer technology. The | | | | contacting your credit card company, via the internet |
| biggest convenience that many people have utilized | | | | of course, and they send you a sixteen digit number |
| the internet for is online shopping. Unfortunately, as the | | | | that you use on that purchase only. This virtual number |
| amount of online purchases rises a looming | | | | is useful only on the website from which you are |
| inconvenience that also grows is credit card fraud and | | | | making the purchase and expires within one to two |
| identity theft. | | | | months of the transaction. If a thief is able to track |
| Computer hackers have become brilliant at accessing | | | | these numbers they will be impossible for him to use a |
| your credit card numbers online whenever you make | | | | second time on a purchase in any other location. |
| an online payment, making the use of your credit card | | | | Several major credit card companies, including Citibank |
| for a purchase on the web a worrisome experience. | | | | and Discover, have caught onto the handiness of using |
| Hackers can also use these numbers to steal your | | | | virtual numbers and are offering it as an option to their |
| identity including your social security number and other | | | | customers. Although these credit card companies do |
| personal information. The speed of the internet and the | | | | offer zero liability to their customers for fraudulent |
| fact that you do not always know what happens to | | | | charges, they can not undo a bad credit report that |
| your coveted credit card numbers once you hit send, | | | | ensues due to unauthorized purchases. This makes |
| makes it a very favorable place for thieves and | | | | the use of virtual credit card numbers very appealing |
| hackers. The good news, for you as a consumer, is | | | | to clients who make frequently buy things online. |
| that some credit card companies are discovering | | | | Although virtual credit card numbers can not be used |
| ways to stop this headache from happening. | | | | for everything, they are gaining in popularity for regular |
| How do they do it you ask? A new technology called | | | | online shoppers. |