Merchant Credit Card Processing - Are You Safe?

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Business )



Indeed, nothing can be more convenient than paying for goods and services online than through a credit card. You just swipe it, though virtually, and in days—or just hours—your purchase is in your hands.

However, merchant credit card processing, also called online credit card payment services, spawned a serious problem: identity theft. If you are thinking of giving out those chase flexible rewards visa and visa signature card numbers, not so fast. Read up, and save yourself.

Website Security
An important part of merchant credit card processing is the security of the merchant’s website. Review the privacy policy. If available, review the security certificate as well. Take note of the information the website takes, how much of it they store, and how they use it. Knowing these, though they are quite technical, will save you from stolen identity.

Here’s a tip: if you do not see a small padlock icon in the lower right-hand corner of the merchant credit card processing webpage, chances are that site is not secure.

Limit One Card
Use just one credit card for all your online payments, and make it the credit card to which you are required to reconfirm any transaction. Identity stealers often track down the transactions that you make in different websites until they get a pattern or substantial account information. If you are using just one credit card, it will be easier for you to monitor your merchant credit card processing usage and patch up any suspected discrepancy. If you feel the card is being stalked, inform the card company at once and try requesting for a replacement account.

No Purchase, No Number
Do not give your credit card number, or even mention that you have a credit card, to any website at which you are not purchasing anything. If it is for “getting the profile of website visitors,” just lie and deny that you have a card. Remember, kept cards are always secured cards.


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