If you participate in any kind of shopping online, chances are they require you to pay with a credit card with which you can input the data into an online payment center. These devices can be safe, but some can also record your account and credit card information and drain your money without your knowledge-that is why it is important to learn credit card safety, and how to insure their proper usage while using them online.

First of all, look for what is called a Secure Socket Layer. Also known as SSL, the SSL protocol of a website uses a level of encryption to scramble the communication between your computer and the person you are making a payment to.

This means that anyone who tries to intercept the communication will be unable to read it because it has been translated into a type of secret code. You can check whether the website you are making a payment to is encrypted with SSL to protect your details.

First, look at the URL in the address bar at the top of your internet screen; a secure website will begin with https:// where as an unsecure site will only have http://. Each internet browser will also have its own way of telling you the site is secure too.

For example, Netscape prescription cialis generic version 4.0 and higher will show a locked padlock in the bottom left corner of the screen, while Microsoft Internet Explorer will show a lock on the status bar when SSL is active on a webpage. This is the first step to insuring privacy and protection.

The next step is to use something which is proven to be safe, such as PayPal. PayPal allows you to send money and make payments online, using your credit card, without the recipient ever knowing your bank account details or credit card number.

You can send payments to anyone with an email address or mobile phone number, and PayPal not only guarantees to keep your financial details private, but also offers you 100% protection against unauthorized payments made from your account. For this reason, they are trusted by users and the leading name in online safety.

Next, never email your credit card details to anyone. Remember when your mother used to tell you don’t write down anything you wouldn’t want the whole city to read?

The same goes for your credit card details. A merchant who requests that you email your credit card number should make you instantly suspicious as they can easily set up an online payment system through their website, or a secure PayPal account.

Secondly, there are very sophisticated programs which scan emails for credit card numbers. These programs can even detect partial credit card numbers sent in different emails so there is no safe way to email your credit card details.

Instead, simply call or fax the details through. Also remember that no bank will ever email you asking you to send them your account details or credit card number, so beware, this is a scam.

Look for Visa and MasterCard verifications. Both Visa and MasterCard have recently implemented a new layer of security for their credit card holders wanting to shop online.

Visa has introduced the Verified by Visa system and MasterCard, the SecureCode. When it comes to Visa, the issuer of your Visa card can help you set up a unique Verified by Visa password.

Once activated, this will protect you at participating online stores. For MasterCard, you can sign up for a SecureCode from your financial institution.

This is a unique code that is known to only you and your bank, and will also protect you when shopping. Lastly, use your common sense.

Going into an online store and giving your credit card details should be preceded by the same research and common sense you would use before walking into a rickety store in a back alley. You wouldn’t go into a store which looked untrustworthy and you should take the same care to assess online stores before making a purchase.

Now that you know what to look for in assessing an online store and online credit card payment system, you can more easily spot the unsafe websites where your credit card details are likely to be used fraudulently. When you’re shopping online, it can be easy to forget about doing your due diligence in choosing a reputable online retailer, but remember, a flashy website does not automatically equal a safe website so don’t be fooled.

Now you know how to be safe with your cards. Happy shopping!

Author Bio: Terry Daniels authors articles about small business merchant solutions. He recommends small business credit card processing.

Contact Info:
Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
http://www.avpsolutions.com

Category: Business/E-Commerce
Keywords: small business credit card processing