Because online shopping has become so popular, online credit card fraud has risen dramatically. Even though you can’t control fraud and deception online, it is important to take steps to ensure your transactions are secure and your personal information is protected.

Use a Secure Browser – Whether you use Firefox or Internet Explorer, make sure your browser has the most up-to-date, advanced encryption capabilities to make sure your information is secure when transmitted to a website.

Shop Secure Websites – In a similar vein, it’s smart for you shop with websites that are secure. Online retailers that are secure have a SSL certificate, which means they employ technology that encrypts your credit card number and other personal information when it’s being transmitted through the web. Look for the padlock icon on the browser or “https” in the URL of the website. These will show you that the site is secure.

Check the Privacy Policy – It’s important to check a website’s privacy policy before you provide any personal financial information or make any online payments. Know how the information will be used and if its disclosed to any third parties (it shouldn’t be). It may be easier to find some websites privacy policies than others; look on the about page, under the FAQs, or at the bottom of the home page.


Keep Personal Information Private – Make sure not to disclose any personal information such as your name, address, social security card or credit card number unless you are sure who’s asking for the information and why.  Also, do not give out any online usernames and passwords.

Review Monthly Statements – To ensure you don’t become an unknowing victim of credit card fraud, check your monthly credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Make sure to contact the issuer if you find any strange charges that you cannot account for and have the card immediately cancelled and replaced.

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