What do you think is the best option to send credit card by email?
They basically told me it is the only option I have for a refund.
Some people recommend Hushmail.
But I guess I could also send the details in a doc with a password and give the password in a separate email?
Thanks for your advice!
Credit card details in email?
Paul871 on 22/08/2017 - 07:38
Comments
Thank you!
FYI Chargeback through your card issuer could sour your relationship with the merchant and discourage them from doing business with you in the future.
Yes, I know, particularly when they have promised a refund.
NEVER do this. Never.
Ring them and have em do it by phone but never write details down to refund.
A merchant should be able to refund without you giving them the full card number by email.
It really depends on the transaction and the merchant.
If a normal transaction, (card presented at terminal) merchant would not have a record of the card.
If telephone order, the details should be put direct into terminal.
If internet, transaction may be processed via a gateway.
Excuse my naivety but wouldn't every transaction regardless of method have reference numbers that the merchant can use to contact the bank (much like the customer does)?
I thought that was the point of showing a receipt to claim the refund? i.e. so the merchant doesn't get scammed.
Hell no.
Email = unsecure with multiple copies between you and the final destination on email servers.
Plus you never know who may read it on the other end.Exactly!
^ This. If the card issuer bank finds out the merchant is asking for credit card info over email, the merchant will be in very big trouble. Can you not read out your credit card over the phone? Still not very secure, but at least they won't get in trouble.
What about this? https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Encrypt-email-messa…
I could send the key in a separate email or even better choose a word only the recipient would know and give him a clue. However the digital ID thing could make thing a bit complicated.Maybe this would be better? https://protonmail.com/
Unfortunately due to time difference I can't call and it is not 100% safe either.
Is the company refunding you someone you trust? I personally would just take the gamble and send them my credit card number - worst case cancel card and chargeback any unauthorised transactions.
I think the problem is that emails can be read by others on their way to their destination, but an encrypted email would only be read by the recipient, that's why I was considering that option.
Back in the days before automation, if I had to pay via credit card/email, I sent 8 digits in 1 email, the remaining 8 in a 2nd email, and expiry+CVV in a 3rd email. Never had any problems. Emails rarely follow the same path so potential crims would get 1 set of data they couldn't do anything with.
I did the same on a couple of occasions years ago. I could indeed do the same again. The email address is generic though, so it can potentially be read by others who work for customer service or in the same office.
Or if you must send via email, get the refund and cancel the card/report the card as lost straight afterwards to reduce the chances of unauthorised transactions occurring in the first place.
Remember to update any direct debit arrangements.
No reputable merchant would require you to send credit card details by email.
Well, strictly speaking they had asked me to call them. I opted not to have my details stored on their server when I paid, but I still don't understand why they can't just reverse the payment, and actually I want to ask them again…
Well if they don't have your details, to reverse the payment, just call them and tell them your account details!
They are not in Australia and due to the time difference I would have to call them in the middle of the night, besides if I have to wait something like 10 minutes I would have to pay probably more than the amount of the refund just for the phone call.
@OzBargainGrabber: If you are concerned with the cost of calling overseas and put on hold, consider signing up to the Skype FREE Unlimited Calls 'World Wide' for 1 Month Trial. And then make the call. I am a subscriber to Skype and generally-speaking, the voice quality is pretty good.
Edit: Some countries are not covered; worth checking if the country you want to call is.
Sending the card number without the expiry date and CVV number might be ok
I think giving it to them over the phone is the best option.
For some cards transmitting card information in ways not authorised by the bank may violate the cardholder agreement.
HR from where I work once asked for my passport to verify the right to work, I sent them a google drive link, where anyone clicking would have to request for access. When providing them access I made sure I ticked the box in advanced options which prevent them from downloading the PDF file.
Maybe something like that would work.
That could be an option. I will look into it. Thanks.
If it was someone dodgy, they could take a screen shot though right?
If the merchant has agreed for a refund, they just need the credit card number.
Its more secure if its thru phone , given they dont write it down.
Problem with email, writing the full cc number on a paper is that many dont take care to destroy it.It is entirely possible they write it down over the phone or email it internally if the person who answers the phone cannot process the refund for whatever reason.
Unfortunately yes, I think John is right. They might write it down also on the phone if they cannot process the refund immediately.
I would give it to them over the phone but NEVER through email. It is not secure and can be seen by many different parties while in transit between sender and recipient. Don't do it.
A merchant should be able to refund without you giving them the full card number by email.
And yes, really should try not to email full card numbers in general.
Last resort, chargeback through your card issuer.