Identity theft sweeps our nation like a nasty, disgusting bug. The internet is a breeding ground for identity theft. From email phishing to insecure shopping cards, your information is constantly in a scam artist’s reach. That’s why I recommend you take advantage of temporary credit cards that you can use solely for online shopping, separating your sensitive information and your normal bank account. By the time the scammer gets a hold of your temporary credit card information, the information would have already expired.
PayPal Virtual Mastercard
www.paypal.com �
PayPal has a Virtual Mastercard where you can use your PayPal funds to purchase temporary, disposable numbers. This feature is enabled by downloading the PayPal Debit Bar, which is basically a bar at the top of your screen where your numbers will generate. You can use the Virtual Mastercard on any website that accepts Mastercard. However, the downside is you can only spend $150 per day and only if the funds are available in your account. The Virtual Mastercard is free to use with your PayPal account.
Visa Gift Card
http://usa.visa.com�
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You can use the Visa Gift Card anywhere Visa is accepted. The spending amount is limited to how much you add to the card. You get the same protection as if it were a credit card. For instance, the card can be replaced if lost or stolen. Unfortunately, the only downside is the card is not re-loadable.
Mastercard Gift Card
www.thegiftcard.com�
The Mastercard Gift Card is accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted. There is a minimum of $5 and a maximum of $2500 that you can add to the card. Volume discounts are available.
Discover Deskshop�
www2.discovercard.com��
Discover Deskshop� is a computer download that generates temporary credit card numbers for you to use at checkout, therefore hiding your real Discover credit card number. Discover Desktop� works with Windows or Mac. You can also use the temporary card number for phone orders. The expiration date is the same as your actual Discover card.
ePassporte
www.epassporte.com�
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ePassporte has a Virtual Visa card that can be reloaded and used where Visa card is accepted. You can only use the Virtual Visa to make online purchases. The best part about this service is they provide you with a free email address that you can use to retrieve your account data.
Citibank e-Card
http://www.citibank.com�
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The Citibank e-Card comes with many features. Your card is protected against theft or accidental damage 30 days from the date of your purchase. You can also earn Skywards Miles and CitiDollars. The Early Warning System monitors your card for off pattern usage. The card can only be used to make internet purchases.
ShopSafe
https://www.mbnanetaccess.com�
ShopSafe is an online service provided by MBNA America Bank that acts as a consolidation to distribute virtual account numbers which you can use to make purchases online. You can add multiple accounts and view previous purchases.
Avoiding Fraud�
Using a temporary credit card to purchase items online is not a fool proof way to keep the thieves away. You must combine efforts, along with awareness to avoid falling into the trap of a well known scam.
� On the page you enter your credit card details, make sure there is a little lock on the bottom, right hand corner of the screen.
� The URL should begin with https:// and not http://.
� Never respond to or follow a URL that arrives in your email asking to verify your account information. Instead open up a browser and visit your bank as normal. Report suspicious emails to your bank.
� Check your statements regularly to look for any discrepancies.
Comments
Do you know of other temporary credit cards I haven’t mentioned or how about ways to avoid credit card fraud online? Scroll down and leave a comment. I’d love to hear them.
