Orv,
Please don't get upset that I use you as an example - it's just security.
Now let's assume that I have his credit card (I hope it is a large maximum) and I'm going to use it. Not right away, as I have some home work to do. The credit card has his name on the front, and maybe more information in his name than "Orv." So I go back to my computer and put in his name in the Google search engine.
Just some basic analysis on the first two hits of his name:
Orv lives near a lake in Texas. He is, or was a newsletter editor for a christian organization. The last two numbers of his zip code are 99.
Ah! Now I can go try and use his card and if it doesn't work, I'll do another refined search.
Yes, I like the zip code as a stop gap for the real dumber thief, but the thief that is a little smarter than dumber (dumb) will know how to do this.
I would much rather see a 5 digit pin number.
Years ago it was stated to never give out the security code on the back of the card. Now, you can't do business without giving it out.
Here is an interesting web site that I used in security briefing regarding identity theft when I was working at Johnson Space Center.
DISCARD
Also, do a search on the words how to get credit card numbers, or credit card number generator, or any combination of what you can think of.
How do you use it? Buy a card writer. Go to a hotel and get one of their key cards. reprogram the card with any valid credit card number. Go to a store and use it in the swipe reader. This is one of the reasons that stores have been asking to see the credit card to verify the last 4 digits. Unfortunately, the clerks, and management, have become lax in their endeavor and sometimes just take a persons word of what the last four numbers are. When they key in the last 4 they have to match what was scanned. No match, no sale.
I could go on and on about this subject, but I've most likely bored you to tears already.
Edited: OH! And do a search on the words credit card zip code and see what you come up with. It is a means of deterent for fraud and identity theft. Check out
Wikipedia
Jim,
Did your partner buy that lime looking convertible in Virgina Beach?