Using Credit Cards over the Internet (2) Best answer on the web
I have never had any problem.
Is it perceived to be more secure than using a 'Secure Server' or faxing?
Many thanks for your comments.
Much appreciated!
Regards
Bryan
I am not a security expert, but my somewhat lay understanding is that any e-mail has the potential for being intercepted and read. The information is 'not' encrypted. Of the millions (maybe billions) of emails being sent each day, the chances of an email with a (partial) credit card number being intercepted is tiny. The chances of someone intercepting the second email (with the rest of the number) is even smaller.
Theoretically, it is possible for one to get a whole credit card number transmitted by two emails, but the risk is 'very, very' low.
Generally speaking, a merchant accepting credit card payments on a 'secure server' uses an encryption technology (SSL) that is near-impossible to break. This is what the encrypted information looks like as its traveling over the Net.
Actual Encrypted Credit Card Information:
qANQR1DBwU4DxF4+wUvEJdcQCAC94QP1cNm/1pJqr0TeW+5Kpt61U7Bia4kVBbdp XltinKyFpn+CVvDhOpWKqyNLkaZwN9HNOleA7k40TNMkuWl9TRm890SmCp03wcPk EKKaNDQ4j8alJeIiaEycjfER/TwKWlbnr/pt5Qjpd+lwK6vnOVZzG9O132iqdZXU EfxT6E
This information typically remains encrypted even while on a secure server, so in the unlikely event that a hacker 'breaks in,' all they would find is a bunch of goobledee-gook.
I imagine the reason why these merchants are asking for the credit card number via e-mail is because they don't have the financial resources to afford secure credit card processing. It costs money, ya know. =)
In short, you're probably relatively safe using this practice, but I'd be interested in hearing horror stories from others who disprove my understanding. I suppose anything is possible.
Don't have an opinion on the security of faxing.
Hope this information helps.
But many thank for your comments.
Faxing/Emailing probably has the same security, because the person would need to somehow tap into the line between you and the destination to obtain the credit card number. While a fax line may be harder to tap into, the billions of emails that are sent also gives you security, and splitting up your credit card info into two emails is a great idea. I agree with respree that the chance of intercepting both is very tiny, unless someone had planted a trojan/virus on your computer or on the vendors computer.
If the stores have the option of using a secure https:// server, you should use that method because it is safer. If not, just remember that if your credit card number ever is used by someone else, you will only be responsible for the first $50 or so that is spent, the rest of it will be covered by your credit card company.
tisme-ga
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