Is it too easy to apply for a CC online?

Tribulation

I recently applied for a CC online for my wife (she asked me to do it for her) and the ease of which it was done, makes me wonder if the cc companies don't encourage fraud.

It was a very basic application, date of birth, address, annual earnings and click to confirm acceptance. I didn't tell any lies, but the info given could easily have been got by say a lodger (ok would they wouldn't have known the salary, but all the other details are easy to find out).

A week later a pin number comes through the post, a further week and a card arrives.

All legit in our case, but did make us think how easy it would be for someone to do a fraud. After all, if you've filled in the application, you know the info needed to activate the card.

debtisslavery

Credit card fraud is a big problem, to be sure. But are the banks actively encouraging it? Doubtful, since they are the ones who have to foot most of the bill if a fraudulent purchase is made.

Paul_Herring

Presumably you gave your wife's address on the application form - to which the card and the PIN were sent. How is this 'encouraging fraud?'

Tribulation

I just thought it was a bit easy.

True if you have a friend or lodger staying with you, hopefully they would be trustworthy.

My aunt recently got conned by someone she let stay rent free as a favour, they did exactly this. Applied for credit cards in her name, got the cards, spent the money then did a runner before she was even aware the cards existed. When she told me, I wondered how on earth they managed to get the cards, but I've since found out how incredibly easy it it.

In my case, I was doing a favour for my wife (she hates computers, so I filled in the details). But say I was about to leave her, A few clicks on a web page, very basic info and the pin and card drop through the letterbox.