Prepaid credit cards - a double-edged sword?

Prepaid credit cards for those without bank accounts and teens without self-control have been available in the United States for years.

Now, Visa New Zealand, in cooperation with that country's postal service, is taking the concept to a new level that promises a measure of protection from online identity theft, but also the prospect of abuse by young people looking to access adult services, and criminals needing a cloak of anonymity.

Moreover, Visa says these prepaid cards are becoming a "de facto" means of conducting commerce online. The company is anticipating the market for them will move well beyond gift-giving and those who otherwise cannot get regular credit cards.

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