How to Stop Credit Card Fraud on the Internet
The Federal Trade Commission says credit card fraud is the most common type of identity theft, accounting for 25 percent of cases. These credit card numbers are often stolen through the Internet through various means such as malicious websites, fraudulent emails and spyware. You can stop credit card fraud on the Internet by using your card with care and avoiding known scams.
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Instructions
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Shop only at reputable websites with secure online payment forms. Anyone can put up a website, advertise cheap goods and collect credit card numbers from would-be shoppers. Restrict yourself to well-known retailers, and make sure the payment form starts with https instead of just http. This allows your data to be sent securely.
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Do not disclose your credit card information when signing up for a free offer or no-cost trial. The site may ask for your credit card number for a nominal shipping charge. However, by giving it, you are often agreeing to ongoing product shipments or some monthly service after the trial period ends. This will be disclosed in small print you may miss. The Better Business Bureau says there is another version of this scam that promises free access to a website, but asks for your credit card to confirm your age or identity. You will avoid this problem entirely by turning down any "free" offer that requires payment information.
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Delete any emails that ask for your credit card information or instruct you to visit a website to reactivate your card. These emails typically masquerade as official notices from your bank. They usually say your account has had suspicious activity or has been frozen due to fraud. They ask you to enter your data at their website to reactivate your card. The website is simply a way to collect credit card numbers from unsuspecting victims. Trash them immediately, and never open any attachments they might have.
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Use a one-time credit card number if your issuer offers this service. Creditcards.com says some credit card companies will issue you a special number, known as a virtual credit card, to use for a single online transaction. The charges will show up on your regular account's billing statement. If someone gets the number and tries to use it fraudulently, they won't be able to access your real account.
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Run antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computer every day. This will prevent the inadvertent installation of malicious programs that might steal your credit card numbers and other financial information.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a credit card that protects you from liability when shopping on the Internet. According to Creditcards.com, many credit card issuers have policies that shield you from having to pay anything if your card is used fraudulently after shopping online. If you have cards with this policy, use them for Internet transactions.
