Online Credit Card Safety Tips
How to Keep Your Credit Card Safe Online
So you want to shop online with your credit card but you’re afraid of all of the credit card fraud that occurs online? So is there anything you can do to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of online credit card fraud? Absolutely! Follow our simple steps to online credit card safety.
One-Time Use Credit Card Numbers
If your credit card issuer offers one-time use credit card numbers, then you should have no problem shopping online without the fear of credit card fraud. One-time-use credit card numbers are credit card numbers that are generated by the credit card company and are only good for a single transaction. This way, if the credit card information is intercepted by a hacker during or after the transaction, the card number is no longer good and is of no use to them.
Low Balance Credit Cards
If your credit card companies do not offer one-time use credit card numbers, then make sure you shop online with a credit card that has a low balance. This way if your credit card information is intercepted, the perpetrator won’t be able to do much with it.
Use One Card
Try to use one credit card for all of your online transactions. This will help keep things in check if for some reason your card number were to be compromised.
Only Shop on Secure Sites
If the credit card information page for a site begins with http:// and not https://, it’s not secure. Never give your credit card information on a webpage that isn’t secure. Always make sure that the site you’re giving your credit card information to begins with https://. Just remember, the entire site doesn’t have to start with https://, just the page that asks for your credit card information.
Monitor Your Statements Closely
Perhaps the most important step in avoiding online credit card fraud is to monitor your statements closely. The minute you see a charge that was not authorized, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge and let them know that the card has been compromised. They will probably close the account number and will reissue you a new one.