It is easy to understand the rational behind vacationers using disposable cameras instead of their own personal and costly digital cameras. They can rest assured that the throwaway cameras will provide them with quality images without the worry that their high-end camera would be subject to damage, loss or theft. This concept is present in the financial credit card industry that now offers single use credit card numbers. These virtual credit card numbers can be used to make online purchases without the chance that your personal financial information could be compromised.

Credit fraud and identity theft are rising. Much of the new criminal activity is taking place on the Internet where smart hackers are compromising databases of personal financial information, which can include credit card numbers and social security numbers. Credit card companies are trying to find ways for their consumers to enjoy the ease of online shopping without the fear of having their personal information stolen. An inventive method of protecting a consumer’s valuable personal information is to issue them a virtual credit card number to make purchases online.

Virtual credit card numbers can be used just like a real credit card online but they have the added protection of not transferring your real credit card number across the Internet. The virtual number is usually good for a single purchase or for a very short number of days. Even if a hacker were to compromise a website and pick up your virtual number it would be invalid and your personal data would be safe.

The secure connections that are used today to make purchases online are very well encrypted and most hackers will be thwarted. However, the merchants that you give your personal information to may not be the best at protecting your privacy. You often hear news stories about thousands of credit card numbers or social security numbers being stolen by the carelessness of workers at a company’s headquarters. And then there are the exploitative merchants who will sell your personal information for financial gain.

A virtual credit card number will protect you from all these various scenarios. With a virtual number you never have to worry about your personal information being hacked or sold to the highest bidder. All online purchases can be made with complete confidence that you will remain anonymous to the prying eyes of prospective criminals, protecting you from the disastrous consequences of fraud or theft of your identity.