Online shopping has been growing in popularity over the last 10 years. More and more, people are turning to the Internet for their shopping tasks. Whether it is books, toys, or clothing, the Internet offers so many choices that are not available in the real world. Nevertheless, online shopping does have its limitations. In order to purchase your items, you usually have to use your credit card. This makes many people uneasy and actually turns shoppers off to online shopping. However, you do not have to be a victim of identity theft. With the right tips, you can learn safe online credit card procedures without the fear of someone taking your information.
The reason many people are hesitant to shop online is because of the huge increase in identity theft. Your identity is taken by some crook that runs across your social security number, credit card information, or even home address. In the past, these thieves would just take credit card statements out of your mailbox. Today, technology has made it even easier to invade your privacy. In fact, a growing trend now is for someone to take a video of you punching in your PIN number at ATMs and grocery lines with camera cell phones. Then, they play back the video and can figure out your pin number. With all of this security breaching, how can you safely shop online without someone taking your identity?
• For the best online credit card shopping experience, you have to take extra precautions with the sites you decide to shop on. First of all, these sites should offer secure checkouts. This means that hackers or any other thieves will not be able to access your information. As you send the information, these secure checkouts will scramble the information as it travels to the company's website. For added security, make sure you are using secure browsers as well.
• Stick with companies you are familiar with. Department stores and clothing labels often have online stores you can shop on. Venturing onto an unknown website site can lead to trouble. If you are unsure of the website's legitimacy, try requesting a booklet or catalog of its products. Most swindlers do not invest in paper catalogs. They are simply out to get your information and use it for their own purposes.
• Another tip for safe online credit card use is to keep records of your online purchases. You should also check your credit card statement in case of any additional charges. Many credit card companies now have programs that watch over your account and notify you of any unusual charges. But just to be on the safe side, keep invoices and receipts from your online purchases.
• Even if you are a victim of identity theft, your credit card is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which gives you the right to dispute inaccurate charges made to your account. This law ensures safe online credit card shopping for everyone that uses a credit card for his or her purchases.
By Tamara C. Jude