Every month I pay my credit card over the telephone and it's an 0870 number for their automated service. Recently I remembered the website saynoto0870 and checked the number and, sure enough, there was an alternative listed which was actually 0800. I've tried it out and it takes you through to exactly the same automated service as 0870 however a thought occurred to me over whether there is possibly increased security via 0870 (for keying in credit card numbers, PINs, etc.) over 0800 or would they both have exactly the same safeguards?
Security And Say No To 0870
Exactly the same safeguards, whether 0800, 0845, 0870 or 01 / 02.
Your biggest security issue would be with the cordless handset, unless you use a digitally encrypted one. Safest is not to use a cordless handset if you are at all worried.
Your biggest security issue would be with the cordless handset, unless you use a digitally encrypted one. Safest is not to use a cordless handset if you are at all worried.
They are as secure (or perhaps more exactly - insecure!) as each other.
There is no method for encrypting the DTMF tones you send over the phone line when keying in your details. Therfore anyone can intercept your line and determine exactly what digits you are pressing.
Your only security relies on the relative difficulty of attaching recording devices to phone lines and/or redirecting calls to a fake bank system. It is far easier to con the unwary internet user into visiting a fake bank website.
So in reality neither number has any safeguards at all should someone be determined to discover your details. You simply have to rely on the hassle factor preventing someone going to the effort. After all why bother when there are enough gulible people out there prepared to click a link in a scam E-Mail!
Stick to the 0800 number and save yourself a bit of cash
There is no method for encrypting the DTMF tones you send over the phone line when keying in your details. Therfore anyone can intercept your line and determine exactly what digits you are pressing.
Your only security relies on the relative difficulty of attaching recording devices to phone lines and/or redirecting calls to a fake bank system. It is far easier to con the unwary internet user into visiting a fake bank website.
So in reality neither number has any safeguards at all should someone be determined to discover your details. You simply have to rely on the hassle factor preventing someone going to the effort. After all why bother when there are enough gulible people out there prepared to click a link in a scam E-Mail!
Stick to the 0800 number and save yourself a bit of cash
Why not pay your credit card bill over the internet using your debit card. I do with my Barclaycard and it takes me about a minute.
Of course the 0800 number could be a fake, and just a copy of the "real" number. Unless it is advertised by the company how would you know?
Originally Posted by stephen1980:
“Of course the 0800 number could be a fake, and just a copy of the "real" number. Unless it is advertised by the company how would you know?”
“Of course the 0800 number could be a fake, and just a copy of the "real" number. Unless it is advertised by the company how would you know?”
When it does not give the correct balance? .. or respond with details relevent to what you are asking it to give you
Originally Posted by chrisjr:
“There is no method for encrypting the DTMF tones you send over the phone line when keying in your details. Therfore anyone can intercept your line and determine exactly what digits you are pressing.
Your only security relies on the relative difficulty of attaching recording devices to phone lines and/or redirecting calls to a fake bank system. It is far easier to con the unwary internet user into visiting a fake bank website.”
“There is no method for encrypting the DTMF tones you send over the phone line when keying in your details. Therfore anyone can intercept your line and determine exactly what digits you are pressing.
Your only security relies on the relative difficulty of attaching recording devices to phone lines and/or redirecting calls to a fake bank system. It is far easier to con the unwary internet user into visiting a fake bank website.”
Unfortunately, with a bit of knowledge, it is quite easy to listen in to calles made on landlines especially the number of people round my area with analogue cordless phones. You can buy a DTMF reader that shows the number on the display when it hears a DTMF tone. Would you stand in the street and yell your credit card details? An analogue cordless phone does the job far better! I always stick to internet payments that are protected.
