The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: purple monkey on December 03, 2017, 08:40:08 AM
-
Hello,
I would like to have a credit card that I can purchase things online that is not traceable to me.
Is that possible?
TIA
-
What if you walked into a Walmart with cash to buy one of these?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Visa-200-Gift-Card/20625678?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227015102874&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=100192573472&wl4=aud-310687321602:pla-177370692046&wl5=9018815&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=20625678&wl13=&veh=sem
I think you can also add to it.
I hear bitcoins are hard to trace as well.
I am trying to think of non-criminal reasons for this anonymity, but I can of think of any that are not nice things to do. Not judging, just saying.
-
What if you buy a VISA gift card?
-
I think the prepaid ones will work, but keep in mind that online purchases of tangible items will still have a shipping address tagged to them, which may cause you trouble. You may want to set up a private mailbox service, and then open a new bank account in your name only, using that address. Then you can also use that address for shipments of items and mail, and for any business that you wish to remain private.
-
I am trying to think of non-criminal reasons for this anonymity, but I can of think of any that are not nice things to do. Not judging, just saying.
Pornography that plays to some kink that's completely legal but not socially acceptable in the OP's local community?
Purchasing gifts for a spouse that will actually be a surprise when the couple has combined finances?
Providing some kind of support to a friend or family member in need (think the anonymous delivery of a batch of groceries) without establishing a precedent that the OP is going to be a permanent safety net whenever they need help)?
There are lots of reasons for people to want privacy in their purchases besides pursing illegal activity.
-
If you have a direct contact with the seller, can provide company info or the receiver's full legal name - use Western Union to send money. As long as it is under the reporting threshold, not to a specific list of countries, this is the classic way.
Next - buy a gift card... if for a specific retailer, you can buy that gift card in cash... if in general, pay the big $'s fees for the visa gift card.