Be smart and avoid online credit card fraud

[deniseoberry]

Last week I was hit with credit card fraud online. It turned out OK for me, but was a good lesson learned. Always remember your first line of defense online is a good password. Here's my story -- http://www.deniseoberry.com/index.ph...ud-like-i-did/

[CorpRebel]

Great to hear you got that straightened out quickly. I had that happen a few years ago and it should make one think.

I like using Roboform too for password generation and easy access to the pw-protected sites that I use.

The only times I DON'T use something like RoboForm for other than password generation is for:

1 - Online banking accounts

2 - Day Trading accounts

3 - Payment processor accounts

4 - Hosting accounts

But for all other types of sites, I love using RoboForm for quick & easy access to sites.

Weird thing I found out, tho ...

I generally like to use a 12 character password (alpha-numeric/upper/lower case/other characters) but one of my online banks only allows 6-8 digits for the password. You'd think they'd want you to use longest as possible.

[deniseoberry]

All good points Rick. Interesting that you bring up 12 character passwords. Just this past week the Georgia Institute of Technology published a report on that same issue saying they are much tougher to crack. I suspect we will be seeing banks and other institutions move in that direction. Here's a short CNN article on the topic -- http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/innovat...rds/index.html

[lynette]

Oh dear I am glad to hear you have recovered and solved the issue. Looks like this is something major and you aren't alone - it hit TechCrunch today
http://techcrunch.com/2010/08/23/pay...8TechCrunch%29

[deniseoberry]

Thanks for that link Lynette. I can guarantee it wasn't a phishing attack. I don't respond to those emails, always go direct to any website. I am convinced it was a hack and my password put me at risk -- it wasn't a real weak password (combination of letters and numbers), but it wasn't the strongest. Your best line of defense, besides a great password, to ensure it doesn't happen with iTunes is to make sure you have NONE selected as your billing method. It will be a bit of an inconvenience when you buy, but compared to the scare I got I don't mind at all.

This is what it looks like in your iTunes panel.

[lynette]

Heh strange you bring that point up because right after reading the post, I tweeted how people are so insensitive and just assume it's bad passwords and calling people names etc etc. I don't know if it is an Apple fanboy/girl thing but it really annoys me. This type of thing is a matter of when.

Like you, I have selected none on the payment options and the only reason I had it set on iTunes is because of AppleTV it is SUCH a pitb to type on ATV. Guess I'll just have to purchase it on the computer before watching on AppleTV.

Still glad you got your money back

[deniseoberry]

Thanks Lynette. When I think about the "what ifs" it really makes me sick to my stomach. Glad the universe was looking out for me.