|
Anonymous online purchasing is a possibility |
| PrivateBuy.com allows consumers to buy whatever they want, anywhere on
the Web without revealing personal or credit card information to
merchants. PrivateBuy is a private debit
account which enables anonymous, secure purchases online. It requires no
special software or downloads and any eRetailer that accepts credit cards
can process PrivateBuy transactions.
"Internet privacy is an important issue with consumers. Some individuals are reluctant to interact online because they want to protect personal information, and they are ideal targets for solutions that meet this demand,'' said James Van Dyke, Senior Analyst, Jupiter Communications. "Solutions with privacy and anonymity features address this need and will help drive consumers to transact online.'' To use the service customers must first enter their personal information through the PrivateBuy.com website [so if you are worried abut entering your credit card information over the Internet, why would you be willing to do this? Ed.]. Customers complete the online sign up form, select a user name and password and then they are issued the name "Private Buyer'' and given a 16-digit debit account number and an anonymous billing address. This account information is simply used in place of the shopper's name, credit card number and billing address when making purchases. To get funds into tehir account customers must "load funds" using their credit card - and pay $3.95 each time they load up their account. According to Ecount, the founders of Private Buy, customers can use their account number in place of a credit card number anywhere Mastercard is accepted. (Citibank has been offering its own version of this type of service to its customers for several months). Consumers can buy online without revealing their name, billing address or credit card information. They are unidentifiable and unknown to marketers, merchants and advertisers. Purchases are kept private and off credit card statements. This provides consumers with peace-of-mind to privately buy whatever they wish. Stores recognize PrivateBuy as a MasterCard and therefore accept it just as they would a credit card purchase. PrivateBuy guarantees that consumers' personal information and online purchases remain 100% private. Voice Your Opinion!
|
Updated: 17 Feb 2006 .
