Online shopping makes your life really simple. Gone are the days when you had to travel and wait in a long queues for making purchases. Nowadays, the "Click & Shop" phenomenon has taken the world with a storm. However, safety to your identity and finances should be kept in mind while transacting online. Read on to get into the safe mode!
Cyber Crime is rampant today and is changing faces with the technological innovations. Identity theft statistics are quoted frequently these days, often confusing and scaring people rather than helping at all. Acts of fraudulence include obtaining ones identity and using it to obtain credit in the victim's name, thus leaving the victim with the potential liability for debt, a damaged credit reputation, and the inconvenience of amending credit file!
Credit card and identity thefts can happen anywhere and the probability of being stung by a fraudster only seems to be on the rise. As we evolve into a cashless society, thanks to credit cards and electronic banking, it is vital to keep the identity secure! The most common way of credit card fraud is when someone uses your credit card details to purchase an item online. Cautiousness and awareness are the deterrents against identity fraud.
Here Are Some Basic Tips To Help You Protect Your Identity...
Always keep your credit card and debit card secure
Be conscious of anyone standing in close proximity or watching over you while transacting at an ATM
Make sure you hide the keypad while entering your PIN
Sign your new cards as soon as you receive them
Never let your credit card out of your sight in shops and restaurants and make sure that you get your card back after every purchase
Be suspicious of any person who phones and seeks personal information or bank details without properly identifying himself
Do not forget to shred any paperwork that contains your personal details or account details before throwing them away
Destroy all old, cancelled or expired cards (Remember to cut the cards vertically through the magnetic strip, before disposing them)
Contact your financial institution immediately if your card or account details are lost or stolen
Keep in mind to check sales vouchers for the correct purchase amount before you sign them, and maintain a record of the copies of vouchers
Is Your Identity & Credit Card Account Safe While Shopping Online?
Make sure to keep the below given points in mind before you shop online.
Do not reveal your PIN number.
Shop online only on secure websites and from reputable retailers. Secure sites can be identified by a yellow padlock symbol in your browser with the address 'https' and not http. On a secure site, your information is encrypted before being sent over the Internet and stored on a secure database.
When completing a purchase online be cautious to not reveal personal details such as your SSN or bank details. Such details are irrelevant to the purchase process and their revelation makes you an identity theft victim.
Beware of phishing scams, and never send your card details through email, as there are possibilities of crooks intercepting your message and stealing your details. Do not respond to a request to verify your account number or password.
If you suspect any unauthorized transaction on your account, contact your bank immediately.
Keep a regular check on your account balance and cross-reference them with your receipts.
Always print or electronically save any records related to your shopping in order to keep track of your transaction details. These days most of the secure websites provide for the facility of an automatic email confirmation e-mailed to the customer immediately after purchase.
Keep in mind to change your passwords regularly, if you make frequent online transactions.
Spyware and other malicious programs can collect personal details like credit card numbers and PIN. Hence, it is always recommended to use firewall, virus and Spyware protection.
Remember that a little bit of caution avoids a lot of unnecessary stress and harassment! It will also benefit to know that with most credit card accounts you will not be held liable for the losses arising out of fraudulent use so long as the fraud isn't a result of your own negligence! Keep the above tips in mind and be armed when you shop online. Fight crime, do not become a victim!
For safe and secure online shopping tips visit deals direct
