Choosing a good [tag]password [/tag]for [tag]eBay [/tag]and [tag]PayPal[/tag]
Your [tag]passwords [/tag]are like the keys to your [tag]accounts[/tag]. Whether on eBay, PayPal, or any other secure site, you want a password that will do its job - protect your account from unauthorized access. Hackers and crackers have developed programs that scan thousands of words and commonly known passwords, trying every combination as they automatically try to access your account. They may load an entire dictionary into the program so that any password that is a regular word will eventually be matched and they get a hit. The program records this match and they have access to your account. So never use a simple word or name for your eBay or PayPal (or any) account.
Here are some tips for choosing a great password, and protecting it as well.
- Make your password easy for you to remember. Don't write it down, if someone finds it they have access to your account.
- Try to use a combination of at least 6-8 characters including letters, numbers, and special characters. Many systems have a maximum password length of 8 characters. You may add more characters to make it easier to remember, anything after the 8th character will be ignored. An example is: "softwareking" is the same to the system as "software." In that case, make sure the first 6-8 characters do not form a complete normal word.
- Choose several small words without spaces. Do not use words or phrases that relate to eBay or your favorite hobby, such as "coincollector" or "dvdseller" which may be easy for people to guess.
- Use the "License Plate Method": try to squeeze a phrase into eight characters, as if you were putting it on a vanity license plate. You can use numbers to make up words such as: OVRR8D, PMS247, UCOMPNS8.
- Mix letters and numbers. Some people use a small word along with a significant year or number to create a combination that is hard to crack. Putting numbers within words also makes your password more secure.
Protecting your passwords
The number one way to protect your password is never give it to anyone. This includes family members. A few years ago I received an email from an exhausted mother who was trying to clean up a mess her 14 year old son had made. She'd given him her eBay password to allow him to make a purchase. He made that purchase, and then he and his friends bid on dozens of other items - a mess indeed.
Another mistake many people make is using a public computer and forgetting to logout. I've worked dozens of trade shows for eBay with computers in the booths. People routinely check their auctions, and then walk away, leaving themselves logged-in for all the world to bid on whatever they'd like. Computers at work or libraries are risky for this reason. Make sure you log off.
Tips to protect your passwords and accounts on eBay or PayPal include:
- Do not use the same password for your eBay and PayPal accounts.
- Do not use single words that can be found in the dictionary.
- Do not use a password that contains any part of your user ID or email address.
- Do not use your name, or the name of your spouse or pet, or your birthday. Don't use any personal information in your password that may be easy for others to obtain.
- Do not write your password down.
If you think someone has gotten your password
If you think someone has gotten your eBay password, immediately go to your My eBay page, under My Account select Personal Information and change the password. Before you do this though, make sure your email address is still current, since eBay will send you a confirmation email when you want to change your password. Once you've done that, review the Account Theft information page. eBay has a great page with info on protecting your eBay account.
If you think your PayPal account has been compromised, you should try to change the password by logging into your account, selecting Profile and then click the Password link in the Profile Summary. Visit the PayPal Security Center for even more information on protecting your account.
If you cannot log in to your eBay account, contact eBay right away via Live help. They can help you right away. You can also call eBay and ask for customer service at: 1-866-322-9266 or eBay's Trust and Safety Department at: 1-408-376-XXXX (this phone number is no longer active -Steve, 4/02/08). If you cannot get into your PayPal account, you can call them at: 1-402-935-2050. You'll need to have the last 4 digits of the credit card or bank account registered with PayPal when you call.
Losing control of your account is frightening. I hope this helps you avoid that problem, or helps you solve the problem if you're a victim. If you have any stories or tips to add, they are most welcome. [tags]online security,trust and safety,identity theft,ecommerce[/tags]
Popularity: 4% [?]
0 comments ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment