When you shop on the internet, you are most likely to use your credit card to make purchases. Merchant websites enable you to enter in your credit card number and expiration date in order to process your payment. However, shopping online with your credit card could put your information at risk of falling into the wrong hands. By taking extra precautions when you use your credit card online, you can protect yourself from identity theft.
Step 1
Make credit card purchases through a reputable site. Stick to online merchants that are highly reputable, like websites for well-known chain stores. Online merchants such as Amazon.com and the Microsoft Store are also secure sites where you can use your credit card.
Step 2
Check the security of the merchant's website. While on the payment page, you should see a padlock at the bottom of the page. This padlock indicates that your credit card information is being sent over a secured network. The payment page should also be verified through a site like VeriSign. If it is verified, the logo will appear somewhere on the webpage.
Step 3
Opt out of saving your payment information on the website. If you share a computer or use a computer on an unsecured network, you should avoid saving your credit card information on file with the merchant. Many merchants have a check box that you can click if you wish to save the information.
Step 4
Review your statements. You can check your credit card statements online or wait to receive them by mail. Make sure the online charge amounts are correct and that there are no unrecognized charges found.
Tips and Warnings
- Credit card companies provide automatic fraud protection in the case of unauthorized charges. If you are victim of online credit card fraud, contact your credit card provider to dispute any of these charges.
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