Avoiding Credit Card Fraud When Shopping Online
Credit card fraud cases happen everywhere. These scams do not only happen in the theft and losses of wallets/purses, as a large portion of these scams happen online. It is a trend in this generation to shop online using credit cards. The scammers or – spyware villains – take advantage of this by accessing personal information using malware (i.e malicious software).
One example of such malware is spyware. Spyware is a type of malware that operates silently in the computer background and computer users will not notice any difference when going about their activities online. The danger of spyware is that it silently collects information in the background, as well as monitor habits and the different programs and websites you use and visit.
Once the spyware collects an adequate quantity of information, it sends the valuable details to third parties, who then either sell the information to a third party or use it to their full advantage. The victims of Credit Card scam may have to bear the costs and consequences of the wrongdoings of these scammers.
Prevent this type of online credit card fraud by following these basic guidelines:
1. Use different and complex passwords for all your accounts on the internet (but remember them of course!).
2. Don’t store details of your credit card (e.g. your credit card number and expiry dates) on your computer, or anywhere on the internet.
3. Use trusted free services like LastPass and KeePass to store your passwords.
4. Only provide personal information to trusted websites that have “https” in the address bar (instead of just “http”), or have a lock-shaped icon at the bottom of the browser.
5. Practise prudence when using email. Delete emails that request for credit card and personal information, or divert you to visit a website that will help reactivate your card. When in doubt, give your bank a call
6. Be mindful of links you click on suspicious emails as they may lead you to “Phishing” website that attempt to obtain your credit card information. Delete suspicious emails and never open the attachments that come with it.
7 It’s best to deal only with well-known online retailers and sign in only at reputable websites that have secure online payment platforms.
8. Set anti-virus, anti-spyware software and firewall to automatically run in the background in your computer every day.
9. Do not disclose any credit card information when you sign up for a free trial / service online.
10. Avoid questionable websites. When in doubt, do not enter these websites.
11. Only download files and documents from websites you trust or that are well-known.
If you have any tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud online, list them in the comments below! Or read more about ways to keep your credit card safe.
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