How to Use your Credit Card for Safer, Online Shopping
Online shopping is enjoyed by millions of Americans each year, and is a great way to purchase the items and services you need or want without heading out to the store to do so.
However, along with the convenience of online shopping come the risks; in particular, the risk of fraud, theft or identity theft. Although there are no safeguards that can protect you 100 percent, there are many things you can do to ensure that your next online shopping experience is a safer one:
- Only shop at retailers with which you are familiar. If often just does not pay to shop with an unfamiliar online retailer.
- Never conduct business with a website that doesn’t have a permanent address and phone number.
- Look for the encryption symbol at the bottom of the webpage. The encryption symbol usually looks like a padlock; if the padlock is closed, the website is secure; if it is open, the website is not secure.
- Look at the website’s address. If the address begins with “https” then the information you provide should be secure; however, if the address begins with “http” then the information you provide may not be protected.
- Before shopping, carefully read the terms and conditions of your credit card, as to make sure that you are protected in the case of credit card fraud. Your card’s language should include information about your liability in the event of credit card fraud. If you can’t find the language in your card’s terms and conditions, call the creditor and ask for an explanation of your rights regarding credit card fraud.
- Consider purchasing from website’s that ask for your CVC2 code (they may call it a security code), which is a three-digit code located on the back of your credit card.
- Always read your statements carefully, and report any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on your credit card immediately.
Related posts:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
