Morgan Hamilton asked: Visa credit card companies send thousands of offers through the mail everyday. Dozens, if not hundreds, of websites are set up to help you compare and apply for Visa credit cards online. For years, many people were hesitant to fill out visa credit card applications online fearing identity theft from computer hackers. With the prevalence in website security now and the increase in identity theft from stolen mail, it has become safer to send your information online than through the postal service. Follows is a discussion of the ways websites have increased security as well as what to do with those application in the mail.
Website Security Better Than EverSurf the web and on the majority of e-merchant sites you will see the little closed lock that indicates the security over information on that page. The URL of the pages that start with https:// are also boasting a higher security than the common http:// addresses. Companies go to great lengths to insure the safety of your personal information through Secure Sockets Layer, commonly dubbed SSL, which blocked unauthorized users from seeing sensitive information. Encoding is done to social security numbers, and other personal information to keep it safe from hackers and prying eyes. Everyday, companies come out with new ways to secure the information on your visa credit card application online.
Mail Identity Theft At An All Time HighWhile websites are doing everything they can to keep you safe, credit card offers through the mail continue to be a major risk to consumer identities. Identity thieves sneak up to your mailbox and take your mail in hopes of obtaining your personal information. Many of these credit card offers are ripe for the picking. All the thief needs to do is call a number or go online and accept the pre-approved card. Occasionally you can even find sensitive information printed in tiny characters on the applications. Although the government and consumer advocate groups are working to pass laws to prevent information from being included with these offers, it’s likely to be a long time coming.
The best thing you can do with an application you get in the mail is put it through your shredder. Then go to your computer and fill out a safe and secure visa credit card application online. You get the credit you deserve with the security you need.
Clarence
