Internet thieves are a real concern when you are shopping online. Before giving your credit details to any online merchant, check whether the website is secure. If you shop frequently online, choose only websites that have a secure padlock icon. This icon verifies that your credit card number will be encrypted and therefore safe.
Another way to protect your credit card details is to use the Verified by Visa service. You have a password that is known to you only. If you enroll in the Verified by Visa service, you can shop at all online merchants that participate in this program. An authentication page will appear before checkout, and you will be required to enter your password. You can activate the service at participating online stores or at Visa International.
MasterCard offers a similar service by providing clients with a unique secret code. This password will protect you against unauthorized use of your card details. Except for your bank, you are the only person who knows this code. Whenever you decide to shop from an online merchant, check whether it participates in the program. You will have to enter your code as to prove card ownership.
The Discover Card service differs from what MasterCard and Visa offer. When you shop online, your credit card number will appear encrypted so that you do not disclose your card information.
It is a good idea to take additional safety measures. When you shop over the Internet, look at the privacy policy of the merchant. Look at the information they store and how it can be used. Find out whether they share this information with partnering organizations and if they have a policy that is explicitly against selling information.
Look for an email and phone number of the company's customer service. Check the working hours of their customer service and whether you can contact them on weekends. You should be able to resolve disputes as they arise. To this purpose, look for a policy which specifies how quickly they respond to customers' requests.
Avoid shopping at websites with an http connection. The information is encrypted when you use the https protocol.
If you use more two or more credit card, choose one for making online purchases. This will simplify the tracking of transactions. While debit cards can be used for shopping online, credit cards come with additional protection. Look at your credit card limit too. If you are worried that someone can take advantage of your card details, choose a credit card with a low limit.
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