So it’s a quiet Sunday. You’re browsing your emails, and your credit card bill has just arrived. You open it up. Your eyes widen at the total amount. While scanning the transactions, it dawns on you that someone must have used your credit card to get themselves a nice bag, jewelry, and designer clothes. This happens to many people like you who have become a victim of fraudulent transactions.
That’s why it’s important to check if the website you’re transacting with in Phoenix, Arizona is compliant with the PCI standard. Other states and cities have to comply with payment card industry (PCI) policies and regulations, too.
While the people who have hacked your credit card details are enjoying their bags, jewelry, and designer jeans, you are left dealing with the credit card companies to have the charges reversed. In some instances, you will still have to pay a portion of the charges made on your card. This should not scare you away from using your credit card online. The convenience that online shopping provides is certainly worth the extra precautionary measures you should follow to safely use your credit card online.
Add a Layer of Security to Your Credit Card
MasterCard has SecureCode, while Visa has Verified by Visa. These two layers of security may be enough to counter any hacking or fraudulent transactions that may be done with your card. SecureCode, for example, sends a one-time PIN to your registered phone number every time you make a transaction online. You then need to enter this PIN on the transaction page before MasterCard will process the payment.
Use Your Card Only on Trusted Websites
Almost all retailers and merchants have corresponding online stores. Macy’s, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and many others have legitimate authorized websites where you can purchase items from. It is easy for hackers to produce duplicates of these websites. Unless you’re scrutinizing the web address, it can be very easy to be fooled into entering your credit card details on a website designed to collect information. Look for the HTTPS on the address bar and the lock symbol that signifies that the website is secure and legitimate.
Install Anti-virus and Anti-malware Software
Apple’s computers didn’t need anti-virus software because somehow Steve Jobs had made an absolute beauty of a computer that could protect itself from phishing scams, malware, viruses, ransomware, and many more. But now, even your MacBooks need anti-virus software to protect themselves from intelligent hackers that seem to be everywhere digitally. Invest in a good old anti-virus program to monitor your Internet activities and warn you if you’re entering an untrusted site.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
Do not use public Wi-Fi to purchase things online. If you absolutely have to, go with your data provider. They have more security measures in place than public Wi-Fi. When you connect to public Wi-Fi, you are virtually sending information about your phone or laptop to everyone connected there as well. The guy sitting next to you can steal your information with a handy device that fits in his back pocket.
You need not fear using your credit card online. It’s a waste of an opportunity to pass off a great online discount on an item that you want just because you’re fearful of hackers. As long as you put in place protective and precautionary measures, you should be fine and be able to enjoy shopping online.
