How to Know if Credit Card Transactions are Secure

Before you submit sensitive information, make sure it will be secure.

Anytime you disclose your credit card information, you could be taking a risk and exposing it to identity thieves. It's not hard to determine whether your information will be safe before you submit it for payment via a website if you know what to look for.

Instructions

1. Look at the website address on the page that requests your credit card information. If you see "https://" the site is secure. If you only see "http://" your credit card information may be at risk.

2. Identify symbols or letters on the website such as "SSL," which stands for secure socket layer technology, or "SET," which means secure electronic technology.

3. Look for an icon of a locked padlock or an unbroken key on the screen or a lock on the status bar. These are signs that the website is secure.

4. Investigate the website for a physical address, phone number, return and refund policy, and whether the merchant belongs to the Better Business Bureau Online or Truste. All of these things are indicators of a reputable merchant.

Tips & Warnings

• Many websites that are secure will have some sort of symbol in addition to "https" in the status bar.

• Transmitting your credit card information via phone is an option if you don't want to submit it electronically. But be aware that there are risks involved with this method as well, particularly if you're using a cell phone.

• Never give your credit card information via email. It will not be secure.

References

• Learn the Net: Secure Transactions
• Better Business Bureau: Online Shopping Tips