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Comments
@Spirit yes Sean Pirit must not be very common
Probably a large amount of people with my name, although generally the Antony spelling of the first name is more common without the H, in the UK anyway.
Good to know, thanks for the response
Although like I said, I was never really concerned (which is probably why I didn't bother "digging" before buying) - there were far too many positive stories.
Check.
http://www.edis.at/en/about/imprint/
Can't really write much more than that on a website, and it's law in most of Europe (UK seems to be an exception for sole traders).
Name, phone and address are semi-public data already listed in many places (phone book directories, domains, etc.); it is not unreasonable to declare them to the VPS provider. A phone number leak may be disturbing due to potential unsolicited commercial calls, so I declare the office number or a VoIP number (not my main landline number).
Before any purchase I always open the "about the company" link of the provider website. Bogus, missing or lacking company details are telltale signs of a hobby or side business. In Europe a business can't be anonymous (it may also be required to put the VAT number and company registration number on the homepage); looking at most LEB providers web sites, I was perplexed. I now understand that the widespread LEB provider anonimity is a consequence of the less restrictive USA fiscal legislation, and omitting company or personal contacts is a popular option for small operations. Nothing wrong with this, but I then will never use the service for business activities and never give further personal informations.
That right there has been one of our most effective strategies in preventing fraud and abuse on our network.
True. And if you've the same email address for 10+ years like me, that's out there too.
I always use real info for purchasing VPS services. IMO, if you're entering into a business contract with a company then you should identify yourself.
When possible, I pay through Paypal or 2CO and don't file a CC with the company. And when I have to use a CC, I use the one on which I keep a very low limit expressly for online use.
So damn true, also, if you have serious bussines need to have all the info correct, in my case if i get a server i need all the true and correct info on the invoice, so when is time to pay taxes, i can use the invoice.
Same here have special debit card only for online payments.
is it safe to use pp or use something like a prepaid cc which you use only when required by topup
Why are we getting threads like this nowadays? How did people order hosting all these years?
I would have to assume they used fake details and either money in an envelope, or a money order.
My bank and I have a PIN number setup so that online transactions can not go through unless I use the PIN as well. Works with Paypal and most forms of online payment processors because it is on my banks end not theirs.
So even if someone does get a hold of my card or Paypal it will do them little good without that PIN. Could be seen as an inconvenience to some people, but if I do not protect myself then who will?
Most hosts don't take offline payments. Even something like wire transfer is rarely accepted.
^ This x 1000000000
Or, they barely have ANY info; i.e., when you go to pay them via Paypal and/or it is a personal Paypal account ... none of which you can easily determine before you've already signed up.
Now they do not but I remember when credit/debit cards were not the normal way of things. Should tell you roughly my age. :-P
I am sure there are some hosts that would accept cash/money orders still. They spend the same and do not have the fees involved that credit/debit cards usually have. Of course a money orders can be faked now as well so.... it is six of one half a dozen of the other.
Not sure how others do their business but I believe as long as the host is honest with me I will be honest with them. I rarely have problems and even if I did, I would not come here to complain about it. I would take it up with the business as most people should.
If a customer tries to hide their identity/location, etc when they buy online with a credit card from my business their order is canceled and they're permanently blacklisted from making further purchases. I take fraud prevention seriously and I'm not going to risk accepting a credit card payment from someone if I can't verify that they are the actual card owner
That also applies to hosts. The name listed on the terms of service should be the name of the legal entity that the customer is entering into a contract with. If the business is unincorporated and run by a sole trader the TOS should list 'Joe Owner' d/ba/ OneManShowHost.com because Joe Owner is the real legal entity (i.e. the person who will be sued if xyz happens). An unincorporated business is not a legal entity.
The host should also list a physical street address and contact information on their website (and also on their WHOIS info). There are too many hosts who hide their info or give fake info.
Hey there! Your personal info is floating around the Internet. Sorry. :P
I don't think most small businesses (not just small hosts) realize how costly a data breach can be (potential fines, lawsuits, etc), and the majority of them are completely clueless about the notification procedures that must be legally followed if there is a breach.
We do accept bank transfers from within EU as long as the customer pays the fees or the amount is big enough (of course, I am talking about the small VPS business, not the big customers, those only pay from the bank account). 60+ eur is big enough.
There are also mistakes, people paying directly to Paypal and this we dont like as complicates things, but, oh, well, people can make mistakes.
@Maounique "People paying directly to Paypal" can be blocked from the settings in your paypal account.
Except that is not an option for other reasons.