I lost a cd key for a very old game and need to replace it with a new one. I can't find anymore physical copies to buy, but I found cd keys for them are offered on sites like Ebay which could replace my own. I would buy and they would email me the cd key via ebay or paypal or a personal email.
My concern is the sketchiness of this practice and distancing myself from the unlikely but possible blow-back. To narrow the discussion let's assume the buyer may have a hidden agenda, but that they are still providing the real code. I would also request the ethics of the situation not be discussed as these are covered in many similar discussion already.
How can I attain this keycode as anonymously as possible? Having my name and banking associated with the transaction is potentially unfavorable.
How can I attain this keycode without fear that my credit card information might be recharged or used in some sketchy business?
if the keycode is being emailed to me what do I need to do to safely view the code? I mean there's the obvious of not clicking third party links but I hear sometimes simply opening an email, even without loading images, is enough to hurt you?
What would be best practice to addressing these 3 concerns? I was thinking of maybe making a paypal account then paying with that then closing the paypal account afterwards so it couldn't be charged by a seller ever again. Would my bank and credit card only know that paypal was charging them for an obscure reason? Thus keeping the full details separate? Or is it different if I transfer the exact amount to paypal as a simple deposit, then do the transaction with just the deposited amount so its just paypal who knows. Or is it irrelevant to do any of this and I might as well just use my actual credit card directly via ebay? And in terms of opening and viewing that code safely how would I do it...and which email is best to use.
And since the seller is for sure going to give the code when paid, can I pay them in a more discreet way by refusing certain buyer protections? FOr example giving a clerk 5$ to come to your house and deliver milk tomorrow, versus signing a full contract with him to come to your house and deliver milk tomorrow for 5$...a contract in that case is less anonymous.