BetterIT Australia Protect Yourself Information

Protect Yourself - Using Credit Cards Online

Never give a stranger all your details!

A staff member with just your card number and CCV security code from the back of the card can use this information at any time in the future to make a fraudulent transaction. With additional details such as your address, email, copies of your card, signature, ccv security code, drivers licence, or bills, you leave yourself wide open to the risk of identity theft fraud.

Should I Phone or Fax the details?

Definitely Not! These methods require that you reveal important security information to a staff member such as your CCV security code or signature. Information is also transmitted to card companies or third party processors, and may also be electronically stored - which further adds to the risk. Faxing is the most dangerous of all, as you can not be sure your faxed details will be destroyed after use.

Paying from the security of your own Banks Internet or Phone Banking facilities is the safest way to use your Credit Card online. Absolutely no financial details are needed by the merchant, and the benefits of using your Credit Card remain. Simply select pay by BPay, and use the BPay reference number on your invoice - just like paying a water bill. More information at the BPay Website. BPay is now the only method we use to process Personal Credit Cards as the fees are much cheaper, and it provides the best protection for our customers.

From the Australian Government website- If you buy something from a commercial web site you will probably have to use a credit card. This means you will be transmitting your credit card number over the Internet. Many people are doing this but a lot of others don't think it's safe. Currently a widely used security system is Secure Socket Layer (SSL) which is built into the major browsers. In Australia most web browsers use 40 bit encryption. While SSL may provide protection during the transmission of Credit Card numbers there are also concerns about the secure storage of Credit Card numbers. There have been instances where hackers have stolen lists of Credit Card numbers from ISPs and commercial web sites. Governments and businesses are keen to encourage Electronic Commerce but there is some resistance by consumers due to concerns about security and privacy. Currently Internet businesses seem to require you to provide more personal information than you would for over the counter purchases. Many people are concerned that this information will then be re-used for another purpose or sold to direct marketers.