The “s” at the end of “https” signifies a “secure” website. The lack of an “https” doesn’t necessarily mean that a site is not legitimate, but it does show that the website creators have taken extra precautions to secure your data. You might also see certification seals like “Verisign,” “TRUSTe”, “Norton Secured,” or “McAfee Secure. ” These are nice to see on a legitimate website, but they don’t necessarily prove that a site is legitimate–they’re actually just images that anyone can copy and paste into a site.
Alerts for any suspicious charges. One-time-use credit card numbers. A new card number is randomly generated for you each time you make a purchase, making it impossible for thieves to steal a number and use it again. These are sometimes called “virtual account numbers. ”[5] X Research source Masked credit cards. These go one step further, offering the ability to protect other sensitive data, such as by using a fake name and an alternate address. [6] X Research source
PayPal is probably the most popular of these services, but there are others, such as Visa Checkout.
Reply to an email with your credit card number Enter your credit card number in a form embedded in the email Click a link to get to your account (always go directly to the account website by typing in the web address).
In almost all cases, you will only be liable for up to $50 of fraudulent charges, if anything at all. [8] X Trustworthy Source Federal Trade Commission Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson Go to source Banks and credit card issuers offer protection from liability, and most customers are not help responsible for any fraudulent charges at all. Don’t be embarrassed if you are the victim of credit card fraud. Cyber criminals are clever, and online security is a constantly developing field. [9] X Research source
Make sure you are able to use your credit card responsibly.
”One click” shopping is another convenient method of buying online that some websites offer, allowing you to purchase something with the click of a single button, as soon as you see it on a merchant’s website. Just keep in mind that each of these “clicks” charges your credit card!
Expect honest merchants to send you a confirmation of your purchase via email or to show a confirmation on the website after you complete the transaction. Treat this like a receipt, and keep a copy for your records.
