Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Credit Cards (was Free Web Hosting)

[<EMAIL:PROTECTED>]

If you are concerned about protecting yourself from fraud when using 
your card over the internet, many credit card companies allow you to 
create virtual credit card numbers for free so you don't have to give 
them the actual number.  Before making a purchase, you log into your 
bank's web site and tell them the exact amount of the purchase you want 
to make.  They will come back with a number that can only be used one 
time and does not allow more than that amount to be deducted.  The 
expiration date can be set so the number expires quickly.  If they try 
to reuse the number or overcharge, it won't work.  It may even trigger 
the credit card company's fraud detection software if they do.

Check out https://www.citibank.com/us/cards/vanpromo/cmc_pop/index2.htm 
to see how the system I use works.

When a merchant says they won't charge your account, you might try 
giving them a virtual number with the max amount set to one dollar.

Bruce
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris W <EMAIL:PROTECTED>
To: MLUG Off-Topic Discussion <EMAIL:PROTECTED>
Sent: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 13:56:40 -0600
Subject: Re: [MLUG - DISCUSSION] Free Web Hosting

Speaking of, I've been tempted to keep around an old expired/canceled 
card just to use in such circumstances. Anyone know of the risks? Think 
this is ethical? Do online places just do a checksum on the numbers 
and/or the expiration date to see if it's valid? If a company states 
that it won't be charged, and then they do, they should be liable.


--Chris

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