A Method To Prevent Your Credit Card Number

[Lynxear]

I don't know about you....but I am paranoid about giving credit card information over the Internet.

Personally...if there is a 1-800 number to place the order, I will use it rather than type my credit card number in a box on a computer form. This is the best way to avoid "Key Loggers" from grabbing my keystrokes as I enter the number.

However I have heard of another method of foiling "keyloggers" and it sounds good to me.

This is done by adding extra numbers to the credit card number as you type it in

Let us say your credit card number is this

2308324456325

Add 7 numbers (highlighted here but not in reality)

72370783274457673275

The numbers can be different as long as you know where they are

Now after typing them in (which could be captured by a key logging software)...take your mouse and highlight/delete the wrong numbers (key logging software cannot tell which numbers are being deleted!!)

To me this is a great idea...to protect your personal information of any kind.

[tarnalberry]

It's also important to practice good "computer safety" by making sure not to download software that could put keyloggers on your machine (or other malware), or visit sites that would do so, and to regularly check your machine for just such things. (Of course, as Sony's recent rootkit taught us, this isn't quite foolproof either, but it's a reminder that we all need to be more tech savy these days.)

[penguin]

I never thought of that, thanks!

[VydorScope]

If your that worried, just get one of the credit cards that offer "one use nubmers" where you they issue you a new credit card number for each order. That stops all forms of snopping to steal your number... expect of course the bank itself is still a week point. Personaly I do not worry about it, I have had my card cahrged fraudently a couple times in the past, and every time a single call to my bank fixed it.

[Lynxear]

Well since we are continuing on the subject of computer safety here is another excellent program that is free

Open Original Shared Link

This is called CrapCleaner. This is an amazing program that really cleans out garbage from your computer system. Somehow it knows the good stuff from the bad and deletes it. I also run Spybot and Adware to kill spyware but 99.9% of the bad stuff is removed by CrapCleaner...plus it removes history logs that are stored and not removed by those other programs. It is also very fast, taking only a few seconds to do its work

I also use Mozilla Firefox for my browser instead of MS Internet Explorer. It is very good for blocking cookies from being installed on your machine...this is also free

[Rusla]

Vincent-- that once use number has to be an American thing, it is certainly not in Canada.

Thanks for the advice Lynxear. I use Safari because I primarily use a Mac. I refuse to download any microsoft things onto my computer. The only program on here that is microsoft is word and that is because that is what publishers prefer.

[jenvan]

Well, this is pretty much the same thing ya'll are talking about... My mom sent me a list of safety tips for protecting your credit cards a while back: Write "ask for photo id" instead of signing the back of your card. I know someone who has done this. Keep a photocopy of your cards, front and back in a safe in case they are stolen...I don't know my numbers by heart right now anyway. Likewise, write down the 1-800s for reporting a stolen card somewhere you can remember so you can call the number quickly.

[tarnalberry]

Well, this is pretty much the same thing ya'll are talking about... My mom sent me a list of safety tips for protecting your credit cards a while back: Write "ask for photo id" instead of signing the back of your card. I know someone who has done this. Keep a photocopy of your cards, front and back in a safe in case they are stolen...I don't know my numbers by heart right now anyway. Likewise, write down the 1-800s for reporting a stolen card somewhere you can remember so you can call the number quickly.

Even when you write "ask for ID", they often don't check. (I do this.) But it's better than actually signing it.

BUT, it's not like they actually check the signatures!

Open Original Shared Link

[mamaw]

I'm "chicken little" when it comes to giving a credit card number over the net. If they will not let me call them with my numbers I don't order from them....I find most don't want to lose a sale so they give in ........

Since I'm in with the baby boomers it could be a age thing for me..... I don't alway buy into everything that comes down the pike...... Again "chicken Little" !!!!!!!!!!!!!

mamaw

[mmaccartney]

I happen to audit IT systems, and perform security analysis and testing for an audit firm, so I know a bit about this subject!

I think it is just as risky to give your credit card number to someone over the phone. Think about it, your phone conversation can be interecepted! The person on the other end of the phone is typically filling in the same web page that you would!! Further, that person could be logging all credit card numbers, with expiration dates, billing address, etc. and selling those lists to others. Yes it does happen!

In the end your credit card number ends up in the same database no matter how you order it. If the company doesn't have that database and any other interfaces or applications that touch that database adequtely secured....you are exposed to risk!

The best way to avoid this is to get a credit card with a very low limit that still supports your buying trends. Maybe a $250 limit, or $1000 limit, whatever makes sense for your habits. Then only use that card for online purchases. Your risk is limited to $500 no more!!! even that amount can be negotitated down, or eliminated depending on your credit card company.

[jenvan]

Even when you write "ask for ID", they often don't check. (I do this.) But it's better than actually signing it.

BUT, it's not like they actually check the signatures!

Open Original Shared Link

That's pretty classic

[jerseyangel]

Michael--Thanks for putting that into perspective. Most interesting.

[tiffjake]

Well, this is pretty much the same thing ya'll are talking about... My mom sent me a list of safety tips for protecting your credit cards a while back: Write "ask for photo id" instead of signing the back of your card. I know someone who has done this. Keep a photocopy of your cards, front and back in a safe in case they are stolen...I don't know my numbers by heart right now anyway. Likewise, write down the 1-800s for reporting a stolen card somewhere you can remember so you can call the number quickly.

I used to do that too, until I tried to use my card at the post office, and by law, they are not allowed to take a card that is not signed. I threw a fit, and the nice lady explained to me that with a signature, they can compare to my lisence to make sure that the signature is the same, but that an ID pic can be altered to look like me.(?) So they campare sigs and not pic-id-to-name. She said that I had to sign it, and then add "ID ME" at the end of my signature. Whatever. I just use cash now. Eliminate the whole problem (at least in person, over the internet I use one card that has a fraud protection on it, so I don't worry about someone abusing it).

[celiac3270]

I agree that the best way to avoid this situation is to avoid situations that would result in spyware and keyloggers. I'm very diligent about computer security and this is what I use:

Spyware Protection

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

AOL Spyware Protection (it stinks, but AOL demanded I accept it )

McAfee (came w/ computer)

Virus Protection

McAfee (came w/ computer)

Open Original Shared Link

Firewall

McAfee (once again, 18-month subscription came w/ computer)

You don't need this many, but get a good virus protection, a firewall is a must, and I find you usually should have at least 2 anti-spyware programs to stay completely clean... Spybot and Adaware are the most popular, and since they are free, it doesn't take much to protect yourself. Adaware updates on its own and you can schedule scans, Spybot you have to update, but you can also schedule scans. I haven't had any major issues-- a few tracking cookies that EVERYONE gets no matter what, but even those are few and far between. Provided that you don't download things from random sites or visit shady sites, you shouldn't have any issues with keyloggers, anyway.

[Mango04]

You apparantly also have to run the spyware programs when your computer is in safe mode. Otherwise they don't actually work. Someone told me that once and I never would have known.

[celiac3270]

What do you mean?

[VydorScope]

I hagte to shatter all your dreams here, but compuer security is my current job plus I have worked at one of those 1-800 numbers that you call to place you order, and I have worked in real brick and motar stores. I have also worked directly with credit card fruad, I know most of the tricks. Reality check, NOTHING mention in this thread will stop them. Nothing. Sorry, but thats te facts.

If you have a credit card, you are at risk having it used, and limits wont stop most thieves, there are simple ways to over charge. THere is no realistic way to stop them. You are much better off just dealing with well repsected stores and well respected credit card/debit card banks and not worry about all the "add 7's" and "only use phone calls to order" none of that protects you from anything.

DO run Antivirus, spyware proctection/etc though. DO keep good records as your not liable if you can prove fraud, and DO check your credit report with all major burears at least yearly, if not more often.

[plantime]

I guess this is where it pays to only have one card through a small, local bank that knows you by name and face and shopping habits!

[mmaccartney]

Working with "reputable" institutions doesn't buy you any more security either.

Open Original Shared Link

Data thieves breached the systems of credit-card processor CardSystems Solutions and made off with data on as many as 40 million accounts affecting various credit-card brands, MasterCard International said on Friday.

These people are reputable, and they lost their computer backup tapes!!

In April, investment firm Amertrade announced that backup tapes containing details of nearly 200,000 account holders had been lost in transit. Citigroup and Bank of America lost backup tapes with the data of nearly 3.9 million and 1.2 million account holders, respectively. And data-collection firm Choicepoint gave information on nearly 150,000 U.S. citizens to criminal groups posing as legitimate businesses.

Recently, on Ohio, Alltel made the news as when they were closing a store, they took all the cell phone application forms (With social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account info, etc.) and threw them in the garbage. Someone found them and broke the story. In a nutshell, this isn't just an "online" or "computer" problem!

It is all about risk management. You cannot eliminate the risk of credit card fraud, unless you simply do not use credit cards. Hmm, can't imagine that! Having a low limit on a credit card brings the risk exposure to a level that you decide you can "risk". If your credit card company allows a purchase beyond the limit that you specifically imposed, how can they hold you liable??

I've never heard of "single use" credit card numbers, sounds like a good idea...

[VydorScope]

Working with "reputable" institutions doesn't buy you any more security either.

It does, but not much. A "reputable" institutions has more to lose if they screw up, so they are more careful. NO ONE is impremalbe, but there are things they can to do be safer.

As for the one use credit card nubmers, a couple companies are advertising it it. When I still ahd an Amex card they offered it, I usd it a few times worked well. Odvioulsy you can not use it for subscriptions or other reoccuring charges.. In the end I realy do not care. Like I said, I have had my card used, I placed a call, and it was handled. Annoying? Sure... esply if htey max your card out and your stuck needing gas some place, but nothing that causes me any lost sleep. It is just life in the digital age.

[tarnalberry]

Amex is the only company I've seen really advertise the one-time use numbers, but other companies will do the same thing, if you call them and ask to set it up. Gotta be proactive about these things.

Other than the common sense things, check your credit report regularly (you get a free one every year now), and *ALWAYS* check your statement and verify you know what every charge to your account is. (Yes, even the $2.37 charge to the fast food place your husband put on there when he ran out of cash. :-P) Chances are, you'll have to clean up something on your record at some point... no need to stress over it. :-)

[VydorScope]

Amex is the only company I've seen really advertise the one-time use numbers, but other companies will do the same thing, if you call them and ask to set it up. Gotta be proactive about these things.

I am hesitating on nameing the other bank that offered it, cause I am nto sure I am remembering hte right bacnk, but I have seen at least a VISA/MC company that did it.

[tarnalberry]

I am hesitating on nameing the other bank that offered it, cause I am nto sure I am remembering hte right bacnk, but I have seen at least a VISA/MC company that did it.

I've heard of a couple - at least one was when I called for something else, while I was on hold. Hence, I think calling and asking is the way to go to find out if your credit card company offers it. And, if they don't, you can ask them to! :-)

[plantime]

I've heard of a couple - at least one was when I called for something else, while I was on hold. Hence, I think calling and asking is the way to go to find out if your credit card company offers it. And, if they don't, you can ask them to! :-)

If your company does not offer them, and enough people call them and ask them to, I'm sure they will start! It will be better for their business!