Living in the racy new world of technology, subscriptions and online advertising, it’s important to protect your most private details…your credit cards and identity. You can still shop and sign up for things without putting your information at risk of a data breach.
privacy.com is where it’s at
I have spent the past few months moving all of my scheduled online payments over to privacy.com. I do all of my online purchases, subscriptions and plans with it.
I have created a few quick notes to help you understand the why’s and the benefits of using this seriously most awesome service. I don’t know what I would do without them at this point!
Please note that you will need to set up your personal account and then if you have a business, you’ll need to set up an account for that as well. You can’t combine them.
The list of awesomeness and how it works
- Set a dollar limit that can be charged per transaction/month/year, etc. You can do your purchase, then readjust the limit after it goes through. That way you’re only on the line for what you set as a limit. Which can be as low as $1.
- In the account, create a card for each monthly payment. I have one for Hulu, one for State Farm, one for the utility company that accepts credit cards. Remember you are using these as credit cards and not as bank withdrawals so you can’t use them for all of your online accounts. I even have one called Asshats that I use for the companies I’d never ever give my credit card to, such as those alluring free trials!
- Set your bank account (checking) to fund it. It works like a debit card. This way you won’t have the burden of credit card debt using it.
- Works like a credit card (Mastercard) so you can pay for things online. I am guessing that if you have sketch credit and don’t qualify for a decent credit card, this might be the solution for you.
- You don’t have to give your correct address when purchasing. This protects your personal data. You don’t have to give a real address, although if you’re buying something that is being shipped, you’re out of luck on that. There is no almighty omnipotent shipping God.
- Nobody can steal your card! Keep your limits set low (as low as you can afford to lose if somebody does steal it). If you see a declined transaction come thru that you didn’t make, you can easily delete that one card. Problem solved! I would still report it though.
- The app works really well too on my iPhone. The credit card numbers are easy to copy and paste with just a click.
Use this especially for subscriptions, free trials, things you buy from online ads, anything that you don’t fully trust. This service protects your privacy, and from charges that you didn’t authorize…like memberships and renewals. There are some bad businesses out there who won’t refund your money. This way they can’t win!
They also have GREAT support. It’s easy to get ahold of someone and they reply quickly. Really a great business.
I have been using this for a few months now and I can’t imagine life without it. Plus it’s fun to get the notices of declined charges from companies that are not to be trusted. Scams become a whole lot funner!
Enjoy!
Sign up at privacy.com!
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This article is part of a #StayHuman campaign. To be human is to have the appropriate measure of things in our lives, such as technology, purchases, and activities. Let’s prioritize life over everything else!
Your “still human” friend,
Maria