how safe is it to order things by mail and over the phone using your credit card?

Answer 1

as safe as the site u trust

Answer 2

Despite all the hype on how the internet is not safe, it's actually quite a bit safer than in person or phone sales. Here's why.

Internet sales usually use encrypted pages to send the credit card information. Even with the network sniffers, it's extremely hard to dicypher the credi tcard info as it's going across the net. Even when it arrives, usually the process is automatic so that a human doesn't see the credit card information.

However, with in person sales and phone sales, humans are involved. There are many more incidents of humans swiping the numbers (either by running the cards through a device - a big risk at restaurants) or by jotting the numbers down (phone sales are notorius for this). Once the numbers are collected, they can be sold or used.

If a person wanted to collect CC numbers, it would be much easier and cheaper to pay a human $$ for each credit card number they could provide than it would be to hack a network.

Answer 3

However safe the credit card companies might show it but the fact remains that giving credit card information by mail and phone is still very unsafe. The credit card communications are not encrypted and can be stolen electronically. Secondly on the recieving end of the phone call or mail are humans which can steal your credit card numbers and use them fraudulently. There was an event where MP3 was used to emulate human presence on the phone and credit card data was stolen. The online transactions are on the other hand encrypted by 128 bit ssl technology which is very difficult to crack. So online transactions beats the mail and phone method hands down. It is safer that ways.
If you have fallen into any such trap you can follow these steps.

Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies -- they are eager to avoid credit card fraud.

According to US law, once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card, you have no more responsibility for unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under federal US law is $50 per credit card -- and many credit card issuers will even waive that fee for good customers.

More credit card safety tips here http://online-credit-card-approval.blogspot.com/2006/12/5-basic-credit-card-safety-tips.html">

Answer 4

Its probably safer to order things online with a credit card than to do so by mail, at least if you know what you are looking for. Never enter credit card information on any web site that doesn't begin with https:// at the beginning of the address bar. The "S" is really important as that means you are using a secure encrypted connection.

As for over the phone, never give out credit card information to a telemarketer. If you think you might be interested in a product or service, ask them to mail you information first. If they won't do that, stay as far away from them as possible. (This includes charities too as there are a wide variety of people willing and able to pose as fake charities on the phone. If you don't think you'd be interested in donating to the particular charity, though, tell them so and save them the money on postage and handling which they can probably better use elsewhere.)

If you are calling a company, though, it is probably safe to give your credit card information. Companies, especially reputable ones, typically have very strict rules in place to protect your financial information and their business, and in any event, since you are paying with a credit card, you also have the protection of the credit card company issuer in the event of fraud or goods not delivered or service not performed which you don't typically have if you pay by check or cash.

Answer 5

All depends on the company, in my experience its safer ordering things through a website than over the phone. I wouldnt risk it.

Answer 6

I must say I used to worry about doing it but I have never had a bad experience. But I only order from very reputable companies.

Answer 7

Thats a good qusetion .Have you ever tryed
ama zon . I would be careful using the mail
the phone is alright but you need to be careful .
with who's on the other end ?

Answer 8

Never, never, never!! You never really know for sure you are giveing your important numbers to. Even if it a legit business I would say no. But than again I never use my cards for Internet purchases either.

Answer 9

50/50

Answer 10

it is safe; i do it all the time but just make sure you dont give out too much info (personal) [: