Edited by - M.B. on 8/27/2003 11:04:28 PM

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Despite noting all the good things about DV-Depot, I like to have choices. Just like I may not want to buy my books only at Chapters, I want to check out other stores and have a choice.

Some problems with DV-Depot are as follows:

1. This is probably a strong reason for hesitating to order from DV-Depot. They ask for the 3-digit credit card code. This 3-digit number is sometimes used by credit card issuers to verify the identify of a caller on the phone. I see DV-Depot good intentions in asking for the 3-digit number but the 3-digit number is privileged information between the card holder and card issuer, and not for a merchant. Other major online merchants do not ask for the 3-digit code.

2. DV-Depot does not allow returns for scratches on disc if the DVD is shipped factory sealed.

3. DV-Depot pricing is on the high side. Their price range is between C$38 - C$44 (a lot of good movies at the $40s range). I don't mind paying up to C$5 to save the custom troubles but in some cases I note I have to pay a premium of C$10 to order from DV-Depot when the DVD sells less at say Five Star, Video Universe or Laser's Edge.

Any other inputs on this topic welcome.

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The credit card payment processors are beginning to require that companies processing mail, phone and Internet orders utilize this number in order to receive the best rates as well as protection against chargebacks. Within the next year or so, you will not be place remote orders from anyone without using this number.

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I think for a start I'm going to order one DVD each from both DV-Depot and the US and see how things turn out for the Canadian and US purchase. If I get no problems from the customs at BC, I then have other avenues for porn buying.

The DVD that I will be buying from the US looks like a real deal. "Diamond Dog" is selling for US$9.59 at Video Universe while the high end prices are US$21.95 at DVD Empire. Unfortunately, DV-Depot does not carry this title.

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My initial thoughts were based on my calls to the credit card issuers where they try to establish if I am the person that I say I am. They would ask a series of questions and normally they will be satisfied with my identity if I can correctly tell them the 3 digit code.

This I gather that by giving away the 3 digit code at DV-Depot will make me more vulnerable to fraud. I'm not saying that DV-Depot are bad guys but just taking precautions. Look what happen to CD Universe several years ago. I think it is a good thing about DV-Depot not storing credit card numbers permanently. The thing I'm not sure is somehow, the credit numbers has to be there at DV-Depot, stored temporary for processing and it is during this temporary storing that the credit card numbers got compromised. It will be really nice if I can punch my credit card numbers through the phone like how I pay my phone and utilities bills.

Anyway, I will call the credit card issuer to check with them if it is ok to give away the 3 digit code to retailers.

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Document:
ONLINE PAYMENT PROCESSING
What You and Your Customers Need To Know

Section:
What You Should Know About Fraud

Sub-Section:
Important Fraud Prevention Steps:

4. Use Card Security Codes, known as CVV2 for Visa, CVVC for MasterCard, and CID for American
Express. For American Express, the code is a four digit number that appears on the front of the card
above the account number. For Visa and MasterCard, the code is a three-digit number that appears at
the end of the account number on the back of the card. The code is not printed on any receipts and
provides additional assurance that the actual card is in possession of the person submitting the
transaction. As a merchant, you can ask for this code on your online order form. Even if you do not
use this for processing, simply asking for it acts as a strong deterrent against fraud. VeriSign is
certified to handle Card Security Codes.

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At their web-site forums, at the thread "DV-Depot FAQ", "Why Choose DV-Depot", DV-Depot had the following posted:

Credit Card Details Retained
For security reasons we do NOT keep your credit card data.

Even if we are wrong and DV-Depot does not retain the credit card details as claimed, the credit card details has to be at DV-Depot temporary for processing and it is this temporary storage that the credit card details might be compromised.

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If DV-Depot had said "To prevent fraud, we require the 3 digit code.." at the payment form instead of the present "For your protection, we need the 3 digit code.." (something to this effect), I would be less suspicious, given that all online retailers that I have dealt with do not ask for the 3 digit code.

Maybe it's just the wording, since all retailers I have dealt with do not ask for 3 digit code and my impression that the 3 digit code is secret, I was then thinking that it might be a trick to make me give away the 3 digit code.

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Firstly - on the no return for sealed discs - I'd highly recommend our Free - Disc Protection System, we open the discs, wrap them for safe keeping in paper towel. You will never have to worry about a Floater under this system. We have a no-hassle returns policy if this system is used.. A high percentage of "floaters" happen when shipping, so this system is perfect.

Now on the security questions/issues.

1) You are 100% covered by your credit card company for any false items on your statement. It's the retailer that gets burnt - not the customer.

2) The 3-digit is needed currently because it was mandated by our credit card processor, www.beanstream.com, as a security measure to protect us, and you the customer, from any fraudulant activities. The 3-digit code verifies you have "card in hand", and reduces the ability to "run numbers" or "guess" a number.

3) Our numbers are stored with our credit card processor.

4) As some customers have requested it, an opposite view of yours, we'll have the option to store credit card details on file for the future if they wish - purely an option. We have developed in house a unique 280-bit encryption to ensure your card safetly.

Any other questions or if something isn't clear, please ask...

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