How can I protect myself from online credit/debit card fraud?
1. Be suspicious of the browser window used to enter payment information.
- Most, if not all, legitimate businesses use SSL encryption and have a "lock" symbol either in the browser address or on the bottom of the browser.
- A URL for a secure website will begin https:// instead of http://.
2. Be informed: research the company's background history at Resellerratings.com or at Bizrate.com
-It is better to find out beforehand that a company is bad than to order and never receive the item or have it arrive very late.
3. What about credit or debit cards?
- Most, if not all, credit cards offer fraud protection from unauthorized charges in the form of fraud "chargeback" protection.
(A chargeback is where the card issuer, such as a bank, will take the money back from that company in addition to a fee for processing the chargeback.)
4. Protection for debit cards (check cards)
- It depends on the card issuer.
Some banks, such as Citibank »
www.citibank.com/us/cards/tour/c···_van.htm, offer the ability to generate a one-time use number for purchases.
Visa cards: debit (check cards) & others
- Most banks/credit unions issue these and usually offer some protection.
- Please inquire with your card issuer for additional information.
Visa has a "zero liability" policy available here: »
www.usa.visa.com/personal/securi···ity.htmlIt applies to both credit and debit cards.
Other Information:
Most credit/debit card issuers may call you in case of "suspicious" activity, such as making several expensive purchases or if the expensive item is to be shipped to a third world country such as Nigeria.
Author's note: This FAQ originated from this thread »
purchasing online
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got feedback?by AMDUSER 
edited by JMGullett
last modified: 2007-06-11 16:27:56
