Protecting Yourself
Safe Shopping
If you are using your credit card to shop online, there are
several tips you should follow to protect yourself and your accounts.
1) Know your seller
Conduct business with those companies that you know and that are
reputable. Remember, you will be sharing your credit card number, your name and
possibly, your address and phone number.
2) Check security
If you provide your credit card number online, make certain your
connection is secure. Most browsers display special icons, for example a padlock
or key to indicate secure sites. Many merchants also inform you on their websites
if they have taken security pre-cautions. Look for this advisory. If you don't
see it, ask about it.
3) Protect your email
Email is not a secure form of communication. In order to
protect your account numbers and avoid credit card fraud, do not send your
account numbers or other financial information by email.
4) Protect your PIN and account numbers
Treat online marketers as you would telephone marketers or
anyone else you don't know. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it
probably is, so pass it up. Only provide your card number when you are
making a purchase and if you have initiated the negotiation. You should
never disclose your PIN or any account password to any online merchant for
any reason, and never use your government issued identification, PIN, or
easily guessed words or numbers as a password.
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