What is Mail Order? Is it Safe?

Especially, users who prefer non-digital payment methods and businesses serving large geographic areas continue to conduct commerce through mail orders without being physically present.

What is Mail Order?

Daily, we generally use two different payment methods: physical and online. Another third method is mail order. In its simplest definition, mail order is a payment method where card information is given to the seller via mail or phone when payment is not made face-to-face or through online POS systems.

How to Use Mail Order?

In mail order payments, after deciding on the product they want to buy, the customer conveys their credit card information to the business via phone, fax, or mail. Once the company receives this information, they quickly complete the payment. Then, the purchased service or product is sent to the customer by courier. This way, the customer can complete the purchase efficiently without needing to be in the store or place an order online. Additionally, mail orders are used to make payments when the magnetic stripe of the credit or debit card is damaged or the chip system is malfunctioning.

Is Paying by Mail Order Legal?

Yes, paying by mail order is legal. However, it is subject to strict consumer protection and payment security regulations. A customer who wants to purchase mail orders sends their credit or debit card information to the seller, who charges the agreed amount from the customer's card. However, unauthorized use of the customer's card information constitutes a crime under the Turkish Penal Code.

What Information is Included in a Mail Order Form?

Businesses that would like to accept payments via mail order can obtain the necessary information through a form sent to the customer. The form includes the customer's personal information as well as fields for the payment amount, date, card number, card expiration date, and security code.

Is Mail Order Payment Safe?

Like every payment method, mail order has its advantages and risks. Mail order allows easy transactions without the need for physical presence. However, the card information shared during the payment can fall into the wrong hands. Businesses that would enable mail order transactions can reduce this risk by encrypting, processing, and storing payment information securely and adhering to PCI DSS security standards. Consumers can prevent their card information from falling into the hands of malicious individuals by making mail order purchases from secure places. Additionally, using technologies like virtual cards, which have become quite common today, can make the shopping experience safer.

How to Activate Mail Order?

In Turkey, many banks require customer approval to make payments via mail order from credit cards. Activating your credit card for mail order payments is as easy as activating it for e-commerce payments. You can use mail orders by giving the necessary permissions in your bank's mobile application. The mail order limit is usually the same as the card limit.

What is Mail Order Fraud?

Mail order fraud occurs when malicious individuals abuse the mail order payment system to commit theft or fraud. Typical scenarios include using stolen credit card information and failing to deliver goods after payment. Being cautious and having robust verification processes are critical to preventing such fraud.

Despite the rise of digital payment platforms, mail order continues to be an essential method for many businesses and consumers. Consumers can easily purchase in cash or installments through mail order, while companies can serve a broader customer base.