There are some basic rules that you should follow with reverence, such as keeping your credit card details away from prying eyes online and offline.
There's nothing like the feeling of a successful purchase after a hard online haggle, just as there's nothing like the feeling of falling victim to credit card fraud.
With high-profile breaches happening so frequently now, you should always be vigilant when it comes to using your credit card online.
We constantly mention the basic tips for safe shopping here at iGuRu.gr, but here in this article we will try to compile them and add some additional suggestions.
Enter your credit card details only in secure areas
We've said it many times: Before every transaction, look for an HTTPS connection in the URL, the green padlock, or some other digital security certificate that will ensure that your information is going to a site that encrypts the transaction end-to-end. Never send your credit card information via email.
Buy a prepaid card for online transactions
For those who want to keep online purchases completely separate from their everyday credit card transactions, prepaid cards are an option to consider. They can either be purchased online or in person at your bank for a small fee.
Prepaid credit cards allow you to have a set amount of money at the time of purchasing a product. The advantages are many, but the biggest one is that even if your card details are stolen, they won't be able to get any money, or if they do, the amount will be limited.
Some banks will let you create a virtual credit card number to complete your purchases. This is generally a one-time number that you can enter in place of your PIN.
Monitor your bank's updates for any unusual transactions
Many banks have sophisticated 24/7 monitoring systems designed to detect fraud and generally unauthorized use of a credit card. However, it is important to read your transaction lists both online and on the paper that your bank sends you. If you spot anything suspicious, call your bank immediately.
Activate additional security measures for your credit card
Many credit cards have an extra layer of security that may not be enabled by default. MasterCard has a product called SecureCode. This feature is a private code that you enter every time you make a transaction on a supported website, and it is never revealed to the retailer.
Verified by Visa, on the other hand, offers a personal message that greets you when you make a transaction, as well as a password to authorize a purchase. Check with your bank to see if either of these options is available. Check for SecureCode here, while Verified by Visa can be found on your local Visa page.
Some banks also have their own verification system that works in place of SecureCode and Verified by Visa. This may involve a message from the bank containing a one-time PIN or a security code on your phone as a second layer of security.
Check your browser settings
Disabling autofill in your browser settings is necessary to avoid accidentally saving your credit card number or personal information.
In Chrome, go to Settings and select Show advanced settings. Under “Passwords and forms,” click Manage AutoFill settings. Delete any credit card information that has been automatically saved there, then uncheck Turn on AutoFill to fill out web forms with a single click.
In Firefox, click the Menu button and select Options. Find the Privacy panel and look for the drop-down box for history. Here, select Use custom settings for history. Then, uncheck Preserve search and form-filling history.
In Safari, go to Preferences. Click the AutoFill tab, then deselect the options for remembering form data, including the credit card option.
In Internet Explorer, click the top right gear for settings and select Internet Options. From the Content tab, click Settings next to the AutoFill section and uncheck Forms,
Think about where and how you can use your card
To reduce the chance of falling victim to a large-scale breach through a retailer, enter your credit card information every time you make a purchase.
Also, make sure to use a separate password for each account you create with an online vendor. It should be different from the passwords used for your email accounts and other online services in general.
Something you may not think about is the physical location where you enter your credit card information.
It sounds obvious, but don't type your details in public, where others can see your screen. For example, on public transport it could be extremely convenient to make a transaction from your tablet, but you should think about who is looking over your shoulder.
