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If a web address doesn’t start with “HTTPS,”
If those five crucial letters aren't visible in the address bar of the webpage where you're attempting to complete a transaction, then the site isn't secure. "HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure; it’s designed for safe interaction across networks," clarifies Robert McKee, who is both a legal practitioner and a recognized authority in global privacy standards. He adds, "'The primary aim here is verifying the legitimacy of the web page being accessed along with safeguarding the confidentiality and consistency of transmitted details.'" Should the URL lack that essential 's', refrain from proceeding with the purchase and consider employing a trusted intermediary service such as PayPal. Such platforms serve as additional safeguards against unauthorized access to your financial particulars. Ensure you familiarize yourself with these prevalent Amazon scams , so you can steer clear of them entirely.
Whenever you're replying to an email
It’s generally safer to share your credit card information verbally over the phone (provided you’ve made the call yourself—as we’ll discuss further later) or through a text message rather than including your details in an email. "Phishing" or 'spear phishing' techniques involve deceptive emails aimed at obtaining your credit card data without authorization," explains Stephen Lesavich, PhD, JD, who is an attorney, credit card specialist, and bestselling author. Always scrutinize links before clicking them; watch out for signs such as grammatical errors, unusual phrasing, and logos that appear altered or misplaced. Stay vigilant against these tactics. Facebook marketplace scams the next time you go shopping.
If charity fundraisers stop you on the sidewalk
Frequently, particularly in large urban areas, you'll encounter charity fundraisers strolling through the streets trying to gather monetary contributions for numerous causes such as environmental protection, child welfare, and animal care among others. Sometimes, all they may request is your name so they can reach out again sometime soon; however, should they ask for your credit card details, proceed with caution. "Such organizations often appeal to donors' emotions to encourage giving," cautions Lesavich. "While genuine in certain instances, these requests might also be fraudulent attempts aimed at charging your credit card or stealing your financial data." For those wishing to support these initiatives, visiting their official websites, ensuring the site is secure, and making a contribution online would be a more prudent approach. Educate yourself about this topic. surprise charges you weren’t aware of .
While talking to anybody on the telephone
It's best to refrain from sharing your credit card details over the phone because you cannot be certain about where this information might end up after you disconnect. Additionally, you may not know whether others are eavesdropping—the individuals nearby, another party on the line, or perhaps even the caller recording your data. According to Jeremy Brant, Vice President of Information Technology at Florida Capital Bank, one frequent scenario involving the disclosure of card info occurs during takeout food orders. In such cases, as well as when vendors request payment via telephone, opt instead to place an order online or settle with cash directly. If the restaurant lacks a secure site or does not maintain its own web presence, consider using intermediary mobile applications like Seamless or GrubHub. 13 items credit card issuers understand about you .
If an online retailer lacks customer reviews or prior listings
When contemplating purchasing items from merchants across various marketplaces like eBay or Etsy, it's wise to research them online first. Should searching their name yield minimal results—a single listing devoid of customer testimonials, public feedback, or active social media profiles—it might be prudent to reconsider proceeding with payment. As Adam Jusko, who founded and runs creditcardcatalog.com—an authoritative platform for comparing cards—noted: "The internet provides an efficient tool for evaluating businesses before engaging financially; leverage this resource." Additionally, ensure that the sites where you intend to shop provide clear contact details such as physical addresses and telephone numbers, particularly when dealing with unknown sellers.
When you buy something you cannot actually afford
It may seem obvious, yet numerous individuals accumulate significant debts through their credit cards, indicating otherwise. As Jusko advises, "Utilize your credit card for the ease it offers along with any potential rewards, but ensure you can fully repay what you spend before the monthly deadline." He adds that while certain people amass more debt using these cards, others use them merely as tools for convenience and manage to earn several hundred dollars annually from them.
If a retailer has to remove your card from sight to process the transaction,
This situation often occurs when settling bills at restaurants or bars. Unless you're abroad, it might generally pose no issues; however, giving anyone the opportunity to remove your card from your presence increases the risk of them recording your information either through photos or notes for future misuse. For instance, "Brazil serves as an example of a high-risk area," explains Mark Deane, CEO of ETS Risk Management based in Bethesda, Maryland. He mentions during the 2016 Olympics, several individuals experienced credit card cloning incidents while dining out. A security director of a major company recounted witnessing a server attempting to conceal a skimming tool underneath his coat right before swiping cards openly. When confronted, the employee fled immediately.
The recommended approach is always keeping your card within reach and feel free to request service personnel to deliver payment terminals directly to your location. As noted by Alex Cramer, Chief Card Officer at Final—a smartphone-centric credit card firm—"It's increasingly standard across Europe for establishments like restaurants to provide portable machines so customers can pay without leaving their seats." This trend could soon catch on throughout America too.
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While buying something online using public Wi-Fi
Entering personal details onto a website—regardless of whether the site is secured—can lead to potential vulnerabilities when using an insecure internet connection, such as those found in public places or lacking password protections. This means that confidential data including login credentials, individual records, and financial particulars could potentially be accessed by unauthorized individuals attempting to breach the network. For safety reasons, it’s advisable to refrain from submitting critical information like passwords or credit card digits until you're connected via a protected network. As per Emmanuel Schalit, CEO at the password management service provider Dashlane, "Remove saved Wi-Fi configurations for networks belonging to others, and ensure your own wireless access point is safeguarded with a distinct, private passphrase." He further advises against utilizing unverified open hotspots, particularly common ones seen in cafes, residential complexes, or airports, unless they’re being used alongside a reliable virtual private network (VPN).
While buying an item using a shared computer
While browsing the internet using someone else’s device or a public machine you’re unsure about, make sure to safeguard your credit card details. As McKee points out, "Public computers could be equipped with hidden gadgets like keyloggers which track every keystroke." Additionally, these machines might harbor malicious software designed to pilfer personal data. Given that you cannot confirm how secure such a system is, avoid entering your credit card info when visiting websites through this type of computer.
If you notice large, visible plastic wiring on gadgets you're preparing to use for swiping,
Tampered point-of-sale devices, such as those equipped with hidden "skimmers" designed to capture payment card information, can be difficult to identify but warrant caution. Should you notice unusual features like excessive wiring or anything out of place on the device before using it, inform either staff members or authorities. According to Cramer, "Consumers ought to increasingly opt for 'chip insertion' over 'card swiping.' Swiping retrieves unchanging data from your card’s magnetic strip, whereas inserting the chip facilitates secure transactions through dynamic data exchange, enhancing financial protection." Additionally, ensure you're mindful of peak periods during which this risk increases. you shouldn't use your debit card according to financial experts.
Sources
- Stephen Lesavich , LHTLG
- Jeremy Brant , Florida Capital Bank
- Adam Jusko , Creditcardcatalog.com
- Mark Deane , ETS Risk Management
- Alex Cramer , Final
- Emmanuel Schalit , Dashlane
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