Is this method of paying for something safe?

flossy*x

Hi

Apologies if this is in the wrong section but I thought this website would be the best to ask people and I aren't sure where it belongs..

I have seen something I would like to buy from an American brand 'E.vil'. The item is not available in the UK (some UK websites stock the brand but not this particular item) so I emailed the company direct who said they could ship it to the UK for me. However, they don't have a website or anything so they asked me to fill in a word document with my card number and expiry date.

Is this safe? Or would they be able to buy things with my card?

I really don't know what to do as I want to buy it but don't want to put my account at risk.

I appreciate any help. Thank you very much people!

Azari

If it's a reputable company you should be quite safe.

You would not be giving them any more information than you would if you filled in the same details on a website.

Good luck with your purchase.

ShaneUK

Azari wrote: »

If it's a reputable company you should be quite safe.

You would not be giving them any more information than you would if you filled in the same details on a website.

Good luck with your purchase.

I totally disagree with this, sorry.

I would also be dubious about completing the information on a word document and then submitting it via email, as this may not be as secure as paying on line (most reputible companies would use secure encryption when the consumer is paying online).

Perhaps ask the company if you can pay via pay pal, or via bank transfer to them? That is if, of course, they are a reputable company.

Azari

ShaneUK wrote: »

I totally disagree with this, sorry.

I would also be dubious about completing the information on a word document and then submitting it via email, as this may not be as secure as paying on line (most reputible companies would use secure encryption when the consumer is paying online).

You are quite correct that there is a theoretical diminishment in security sending the item in an unencrypted attachment.

However, in practice it's extraordinarily unlikely that anyone is going to be doing deep packet inspections on emails in order to catch Word attachments on the off chance that someone has CC details inside (as it's an extremely unusual thing to do).

If OP thinks that's a risk then she can always send the order by email and phone the company up to give them the CC details. Or password protect the Word document and phone them up to give them the password.

ShaneUK

Azari wrote: »

Or password protect the Word document and phone them up to give them the password.

A password on a word document is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, in my opinion. I have before now forgotten a password on a word document (and excel), and downloaded free software from the internet that can hack into the file and get the password. If I can do it, then of course, so can someone who is criminally minded.

I am not disagreeing with you, yes, it is an option, and the chances of something happening are low. But, the OP needs to be aware of all potential risks

paddyrg

Why not ask them for a phone number so you can call them up to securely give them the card details? Or maybe you can find this item from a reseller on Amazon.COM and order via their card processing?

aheaton46

ShaneUK wrote: »

I would also be dubious about completing the information on a word document and then submitting it via email, as this may not be as secure as paying on line (most reputible companies would use secure encryption when the consumer is paying online).

Perhaps ask the company if you can pay via pay pal, or via bank transfer to them? That is if, of course, they are a reputable company.

They have far more chance of losing their money paying by bank transfer than sending credit card details in an email.