Credit Cards Fighting Back Against Online Fraud

With many people choosing to shop online this year rather than brave the massive crowds Daredevil Christmas shoppers, a higher security Sillisculpts of online fraud has been announced.

Many people lose hundreds of pounds each year due to online fraud and the amount lost is still increasing. To try and fight this recent wave of online attacks, MBNA will be trialling a new card in 2009 that will hopefully prevent many online fraud occurrences.

The new cards that will be tested will be identical in size and shape to current credit cards, but these new cards will feature a 12-button keypad on the back of the card along with a display that will be powered by a battery that lasts up to three years.

Anybody who wished to purchase something over the internet will have to input their PIN number onto the keypad and a security code will then show on the display. This code will then have to be entered into the website that you Superman movie wishing to purchase an item from. If the code is authorised by Visa's servers then the purchase will be approved.

With the introduction of this new card companies are hoping customers will feel more secure when purchasing items over the internet and will hopefully boost the amount of sales taken place. A member of the team who has developed this new card commented that they hope it will help to reduce the fears of online shoppers and put their minds at ease when purchasing something online.

This new card will not be able to remove the threat of online fraud completely but should be able to reduce the number of occurrences we see at the moment.

These new cards are due for release in early 2009 but will only be on offer from MBNA. Hopefully the new technology will be implemented on all new credit cards and interest free credit cards.

Virtual Pet Games - What's Online for Kids

Virtual pet games are some of the hottest activities now for kids online. But did you know that there are a number of different types of virtual pets - and not all of Captain America are as sweet and innocent as 1975 Topps baseball cards might seem!

Generally speaking, there are three types of virtual pets: downloadable (download the software and run the games on your own computer), direct online virtual pets and what I call "dual pets", which are real plush animals that can also be cared for online by entering a special code that comes with the toy.

Downloadable virtual pets are fun, and can be played without being online - after the software is downloaded. There is a downside to this option, however, which is that unless the software is from a well-known reputable source, you are running the risk of downloading a virus along with the game - which would be no fun at all! (If you go to one of the free download sites, you may even see a warning note along the top or bottom of the webpage about this.)

Direct Online virtual pets are - just as the name implies - played Space Invaders online, without the need to download the software to play. Usually this involves registered membership with the site in order to maintain the ownership of the pet. This option is fine, but again unless the site is properly secured you can run the risk of bumping into a virus that can quickly mess up your computer - but good!

My advice on both of the above is - first and foremost, make sure that you have standard and upgraded virus protection for your computer! (If you've ever experienced a nasty virus, you will likely understand the extreme importance of this.)

The third type of online pet ("dual pets") in my opinion are the best way to go. They're relatively inexpensive (around $10 to $15 per new pet) and well worth the price that is paid. Here's how it works: These types of pets are real-world, in other words they are plush stuffed animals that children can play with just as they do other types of toys, but they have a code printed on a card that comes along with them that allows access to websites allowing children to feed, clothe, give medicine to and even decorate homes for their pets. With this type of online game, the sites are extremely secure (so no risk of unwittingly adopting a virus along with the pet) and there are many other types of activities that go along with the site such as educational games, kids chat rooms (also safe) and other fun stuff for little ones.

The most popular of these are Webkinz plush pets (very popular) and Russ Berrie's Shining Stars.

No matter what type of virtual pet is adopted, the game of caring for one is quite entertaining, and many times educational as well.

Have fun!

Copyright Tonya Brisnehan

About the Author:

Tonya Brisnehan is a work-at-home mom, shopper of online toys and games for kids and internet marketer.

Get Review and Info for Webkinz by Ganz:
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Find Out More about Russ Berrie's Shining Stars:
Visit Shining Stars Review