GOT
A NEW CREDIT CARD?
Administration congressman Prospero Nograles (Davao City) today advised credit card holders to be very cautious when using their “plastic money” because they could fall victims to a new generation of thieves.
Nograles said that credit card fraud is now a reality even in the Philippines because of the increasing number of Filipinos who now use their credit cards for their regular shopping needs not only in ordinary department stores but in the internet as well.
This warning was raised by Nograles on learning that credit card fraud tutorials are now available not only in some secret internet sites but can also be found in various softwares openly in sold in joints that sells pirated computer programs.
“ We might see the emergence of a new generation of thieves victimizing hapless credit card owners. While the use of plastic money somehow provides us with a better sense of protection especially snatchers and armed hold-ups, it has unfortunately opened a window of opportunity for high-tech brigands, “ Nograles warned.
He said that credit card users are now a “mouse-click away” from becoming victims of hackers who can empty their accounts right in the safety of their homes. The victim could even end up paying for the somebody’s else’s membership dues in some sleazy internet sites. Worst, Nograles said the only way the would-be victims are able to find out that they have been defrauded is through their monthly credit card statement.
“ Now that we have a lot of people availing themselves of credit cards, the risk is high that the Philippines can be a vulnerable target of credit card fraud, “ Nograles said.
He added that things could get even more serious with the advent of electronic commerce (e-commerce) as more and more people now use the internet in their purchases-- from grocery items to various gadgets such as cellular phones and computers.
Nograles said that even before the widespread use of the internet in their shopping needs, credit card fraud was already prevalent in highly-developed countries such as the United States. Instead of the using the internet, “credit card hackers” use the phone to make purchases through “door-to-door” shopping.
Nograles said that once a “credit card hacker” manages to get his would-be victim’s credit card number, card expiry date, birthday, billing address and other personal information, he can easily place purchases through e-shopping or even “door-to-door” shopping. They can make use temporary drop-off points for their purchases to avoid detection.
“ With the advent of e-shopping, credit card users are more exposed to hackers who are always on the prowl for vulnerable victims,” he said.
To avoid being victimized by credit card fraud artists, Nograles said card owners should adopt the following measures:
· Don’t use credit card in small restaurants and shops. A leakage of one’s “blue-carbon” or purchase slip which contains critical data like credit card number and name of holder can be utilized for credit card fraud.
· Don’t flaunt your credit card. Credit card holders should keep a low profile so that they will not become targets of “credit card hackers.”
· Don’t give out information about yourself (e.g date of birth and billing address) to just about anyone who asks you about it. Be also careful when filling out survey forms and so-called raffle coupons.
· Avoid making internet purchases in unsecured sites.
· Avoid volunteering your credit card number and other details about yourself in paid internet sites.
· When you need to purchase something through the internet, “cash on delivery (COD)” is still safer than using your credit card.