In light of the recent announcement that over 45 million credit car numbers have been exposed by a major online retailer*, we suggest using the Citibank Virtual Account Number feature, which is available on many of their cards.

* Source: AP-TJX-Security-Breach

The automatically generated virtual account number:

1) may only be used once.
2) may only by the merchant you used it with.
3) expires at the end of the next month.

Therefore, after it is used to make a purchase online, it would not matter if the virtual account number were compromised, it would be of no use to thieves.

And if by chance the merchant does not deliver, you are also protected.

These “one use” numbers can be generated online, or by using the Virtual account number applet on your computer. Either method is very secure and convenient.

Highly recommended.