| Disposable diapers, disposable cameras- and now... | | | | Disadvantages of Virtual Credit Card Numbers |
| disposable credit card numbers? They're actually | | | | While virtual credit card numbers offer many |
| referred to within the industry as virtual credit card | | | | advantages over shopping online with your regular |
| numbers, and are currently being offered through most | | | | credit card number, there are also some instances |
| major credit card issuers. | | | | when using a virtual card number has disadvantages. |
| Virtual credit card numbers are single-use numbers | | | | When you purchase theater tickets or airline, hotel or |
| that expire within a month or two of issue, and are | | | | rental car reservations with a credit card number |
| used for shopping online in place of the number that's | | | | online, you are supposed to provide that credit card |
| actually on your credit card. What's the point? The | | | | when you go to pick up your tickets or when you |
| number is only good at the one web site where you | | | | check into the hotel or get your rental car. If you've |
| make your purchase, and only for a limit period of | | | | used a virtual number, you won't have the ability to |
| time- so if hackers have obtained your credit card | | | | hand the clerk the credit card with a matching card |
| number during an online transaction, the next time they | | | | number. |
| go to use it, it will not work. | | | | Recurring expenses are also a hassle using a virtual |
| When a customer receives their credit card statement | | | | credit card number. By the time the next purchase |
| after shopping with virtual credit card numbers, the | | | | period comes around, your number is likely to have |
| purchases show up on the statement exactly like any | | | | expired. |
| other purchase. Some card issuers will provide the | | | | Take Precautions Against Identity Theft & Fraud |
| virtual number used to make the purchase along side | | | | You can take some precautions to help minimize your |
| the charge, for reference purposes. | | | | potential to be a victim of online fraud due to shopping |
| Why Virtual Credit Card Numbers? | | | | online- with or without having a virtual credit card |
| One of the main reasons why some people choose | | | | number. |
| not to shop online is because of their fear of credit | | | | Before making a purchase, make sure the website |
| card theft and identity fraud. The potential for personal | | | | uses a secure or encrypted site to handle the |
| information to be found online is a real concern- and is | | | | transaction of your payment information. Most sites |
| proven by a survey in September 2002, where over 7 | | | | use the SSL (secure socket layer), and is recognized |
| percent of online shoppers surveyed claimed to be | | | | easily by a url beginning with 'https' instead of 'http', and |
| victims of credit card fraud. | | | | often by a little locket symbol on the screen. |
| Even though almost all credit card issuers promise a | | | | Always monitor your credit card statement and make |
| zero liability policy for unauthorized charges and online | | | | sure all transactions were authorized. If you suspect |
| purchases, consumers are still concerned because of | | | | there is a problem, contact your credit card company |
| the potential for further damage. Sometimes it is | | | | immediately. |
| difficult to get errors removed from a credit report, for | | | | Use a paper shredder to destroy credit statements, |
| example, even after being the victim of identity theft. | | | | pre-approved credit card others, bills and anything else |
| Using virtual credit card numbers can eliminate the | | | | containing personal information before you throw them |
| potential for hackers to use the card data to make | | | | away. While many identity thieves are high-tech and |
| purchases and discover more information about a | | | | use the internet to find their victims- some still dive into |
| consumer. | | | | dumpsters to get their information! |