|
|
|
|
|
Steps to Avoid Credit Card Fraud...
|
- Don't give out your credit card number(s)
online unless the site is both secure and reputable.
Sometimes a tiny icon of a locked padlock or
an unbroken key appears to symbolize a higher
level of security to transmit data. This icon is not
a guarantee of a secure site, but may provide you
some assurance.
- Before using the site, check out the security
software that it uses to make sure your information
will be protected, including digital certificates
which authenticate the site/vendor. Independent
certificate services like
VeriSign and
Thawte will
authenticate the identity of the Web site you are
visiting.
- Make sure you are purchasing merchandise from a
reputable/legitimate source. Once again, investigate
the person or company before purchasing any
products.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather than
merely a post office box and a phone number and call
the seller to see if the number is correct and
working.
- Send them e-mail to see if they have an active
e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free
e-mail services where a credit card wasn’t required
to open the account.
- Check with the
Better Business Bureau
to see if there have been any complaints against the
seller.
- Check out other web sites regarding this
person/company.
- Be cautious when responding to special offers
(especially through unsolicited e-mail).
- Be cautious when dealing with
individuals/companies from outside your own country.
- If you are going to purchase an item via the
Internet, use a credit card since you can often
dispute the charges if something does go wrong.
- You should also keep a list of all your credit
cards and account information along with the card
issuer’s contact information. If anything looks
suspicious or you lose your credit card(s),
contact the card issuer immediately.
(But don't keep your credit card and accounts
list in your home/office computer! Choose a
secure place for the list.) Consider downloading
and printing a "Lost/Stolen
Wallet Inventory & Emergency Checklist"
to record key credit card information, then store
the list a safe place.
- Limit the amount of information you choose to
give to a merchant when paying by credit/debit card.
Remember, the rules of the Visa and MasterCard
association prohibit merchants from requiring you to
give a telephone number, driver's license number, or
home address when using their cards —information the
wise consumer definitely doesn't want on a debit or
credit card receipt. If you choose to give
your phone number, give your work phone.
|
|
|
|
|
