Ebay Merchants: Avoid This Credit Card Scam
Unquestionably, online marketing has provided an ingenious means for buyers and sellers from all over the world to meet and do business. eBay is one the most popular e-marketing site that is visited by millions of people each day. Have you ever tried buying or selling merchandise over eBay? Perhaps, you would agree that it is a very expedient way of doing business. But before you go online, and make another transaction, make sure that you are already aware and alerted about credit card scam. A lot of people have already posted their personal accounts on the web to warn other potential victims not to fall prey to this type of swindling.
One web vendor has recounted his experience with a scammer from Nigeria, who placed an order of 14 Mavic wheels, then asked him to divide the total cost between three credit cards. Since the credit card numbers given appears to be valid, his orders were shipped to the address outside the US. The truth is, the credit cards do not belong to this person and the real owner, who actually lives in the US, haven’t slightest idea that his credit cards have been used in fraud. Whereas, the vendor has to contend with his lost goods plus the shipping expense as well.
How these scammers obtain your credit card number
How are these scammers able to provide acceptable credit card numbers? Apparently, they start with 12 numbers from Visa or Mastercard which are good and with a help from an accomplice, they try to match another set of four numbers and expiration dates to arrange a good number combination. Although this is a tedious process, they keep on until they have a stack of genuine credit card numbers. And all they have to do is find an online retailer who would gladly take their orders, and unwittingly deliver these goods to them. Unfortunately, not only vendors but consumers as well can fall victims to credit card scams. Some are tricked into ordering retail items at a half price, not knowing that the scammer is actually using stolen credit cards to order the products from a legitimate store like Amazon. This are shipped as a gift to conceal billing information, while payment is made via money order straight to the scammer's pocket.
Obviously, whether merchants or consumers, everyone must be exceptionally cautious with all our transactions. Here are some important reminders to follow to protect yourself from being scammed:
. Rule number one is to never ever give out any of your credit card information to anyone. Don't answer emails or phone calls that allegedly are verifying your credit card details. Shred all used receipts, bank notices or anything that contains the valuable information.
. If you really must give out a credit card number, make sure that it is a secured website.
. Never ever send your payment as a money order! This is an unmistakable red flag of a bogus transaction!
. Regularly update your checking account and your credit card bills. If you find any charges or purchases you did not make, call your credit card company immediately.
. If you are moving to a new location, inform your credit card issuers in advance.
. If you have lost your card or you suspect a credit card fraud, contact your credit card issuer at once!
. If you are a retailer, always call the credit card issuer to verify that the credit card number, the credit card holder's name, address and other information are correct before making any shipment, specially for customers that requires shipping overseas. If you think you have received orders from a suspicious customer, report this instantly to the credit card issuer so the bank can immediately close the account and notify the real credit card owner right away.
There could be other schemes these scammers execute using hacked credit card numbers on their hands. It is up to you to protect yourself and avoid being victimized by these treacherous scammers. If you know what necessary precautions to take, then surely you will continue to enjoy your shopping experience at eBay.
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