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Credit Card Security Advice
Which of the following is the biggest threat to your credit
card security?
a) Shopping online with a credit card
b) Shopping in a real store with your credit card
c) Ordering something over the phone with your credit card
The answer may surprise you. It's b - shopping in a real store
with a credit card. Despite all the controversy and publicity
surrounding internet phishing and identity theft, shopping online
is a relatively safe process. Credit card fraudsters are far more
likely to get your credit card numbers and ID information by
hacking into a bank or credit card company computer than they are
to hack into an online store's server.
The truth is that there are some dangers to using credit cards
in ANY situation - and there are ways to safeguard your
information and security no matter where you shop with your
credit card.
When shopping online?
·Only shop reputable sites. If a shopping web site has
been around for a while, it's a pretty good bet that they're
legitimate.
·Use an online money transfer service rather than your
usual credit card. You can fund an account with a service like
Paypal via your credit card or bank account - but your
information isn't freely available. When you pay via PayPal, the
only information that the seller gets about you is your email
address.
When shopping in a real store?
·Keep your eye on your credit card. Stores with the
latest tech in credit card scanning won't ever even handle your
card - you slide it in the scanner yourself and it never leaves
your possession. In stores that aren't that hip yet, keep your
eye on what's happening with your card, and ALWAYS take your
credit card receipt. Until everyone is using the latest scanners
and printers that only print out the last four digits of your
credit card, discarded credit card receipts are the easiest way
for thieves to get hold of your credit card numbers.
When shopping by phone?
·Never, ever, ever give your credit card numbers to
someone who called you. No matter how good a deal sounds, insist
on being given the time to confirm the identity and company of
the person you're speaking with.
As you can see, for the most part, common sense is all it
takes to keep your credit card information safe!
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the credit card comparison
sites http://www.credit-cards-info.com/
and also http://www.creditcards121.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
Credit - Google News
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