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Thread ID: 30372 2003-02-17 09:32:00 Purchases over the net? jason (3030) Press F1
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121978 2003-02-17 09:32:00 Is there any safer options than having a credit card with a large credit amount. I am dubious about giving a number to an account that can be overdrawn to an amount of thousands. How do others purchase software such as ZM pro, pay for updates to Norton etc. jason (3030)
121979 2003-02-17 09:46:00 I saw a website some time back advertising a single use credit/visa card number for web purchases, so I tried doing a full text search on Google and found there are still companies offering a single use credit card number. Wether there is any NZ outfit doing the same or not, I do not know, but it seems there is still an open door for you.

Here's the url to the first result displayed.
www.dealchecker.com
mikep (1856)
121980 2003-02-17 09:52:00 Jason

As long as you use a true credit card like Visa and not a debit card like Diners or American Express and you abide by the card conditions I believe you are reasonably protected against fraud. Only buy from reputable sites and don't be tempted by bargains that could be credit card number harvesting scams. You have to monitor your credit card statements carefully and keep a record of the site details when you make a purchase.

I also recall a post some time back advocating the use of a limited credit "special purpose" card that you use for nothing but web purchases. I think the limit suggested was about NZ$500 which equates to US$250 at the moment and that could be a very good idea.
I buy off the net using my card and have had no problems to date, however there is always a first time. I tend to establish contact by email first with pre-purchase queries for first time buying, just to make sure the contact details are live.

Cheers

Billy 8-{)
Billy T (70)
121981 2003-02-17 09:53:00 >How do others purchase software such as ZM pro, pay for updates to Norton etc.

Credit card with, come to think of it, a large limit.

I've purchased from people like Amazon and Norton without problems.

I'm personally comfortable with most NZ sites - we are covered by the Fair Goods and Trading Act and credit card companies cover you against fraud.

I'd be wary of a small company off-shore particularly if it looks "too good to be true".

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (www.consumer-ministry.govt.nz) show what should be included in an e-commerce website.
Heather P (163)
121982 2003-02-17 10:12:00 Thanks all, very interesting responses.
I will continue to investigate for a "low credit" card and will publish any interesting results.
jason (3030)
121983 2003-02-17 10:17:00 When using a credit card over the net check that the site ( you may have to go part way through the process) uses the extra three digits which you will only find on the back of the card and no where else as this shows the site is far more security conscious. mikebartnz (21)
121984 2003-02-17 10:19:00 A small point to note - if you are happy giving your credit card info over the phone, by fax or on mail orders then by net has similar security. Just make sure it is on a secure web page (with the padlock down in the right hand corner) and don't send info by email. Heather P (163)
121985 2003-02-17 10:23:00 ??? Never knew there were 3 extra digits so just went and looked (there are) . No one has ever asked for these either off-line or on-line .

The shopping cart I work with on 2 sites doesn't ask for these either but both sites are very secure .
Heather P (163)
121986 2003-02-17 10:31:00 What it basically means Heather P is you have to have the credit card in your hot little hand to use it. So if someone got your CC number off the carbon of a zip zap machine it would be no good to them as those three numbers would not be there.
It could be an idea to mention it to the bosses of those sites.
I first struck it nearly three years ago.
mikebartnz (21)
121987 2003-02-17 10:39:00 Not to the bosses of the sites but to the shopping cart creator. And I can see big problems if we implemented such things. Extra wording on the site telling people to turn their card over and customers confused.

Something I came across about 3 years ago:
The best way to check a signature against ID is to turn both upside down and view them from the top. Signature differences really stand out!
Heather P (163)
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