Protect Your Credit Card Online

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing to shop online for the perfect gifts. While this convenience has transformed how we buy, it also opens the door to potential risks like online credit card fraud.

Stay Safe Online

One of the best ways to stay safe is to use a credit card for online purchases instead of a debit card. Credit cards offer federally mandated protections that make them safer options. Credit card companies can step in on your behalf if there’s a problem—whether it’s fraud or an issue with a purchase.

It’s also important to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. With the lingering effects of supply shortages during the holidays, many shoppers may be drawn to unfamiliar websites offering brand-name items at steep discounts. But this can be a trap. For instance, if you find a luxury handbag or popular tech gadget listed for a fraction of the usual price, take a step back. Before making the purchase, do a quick online search of the seller’s name with terms like “scam” or “complaint.” If the website is legitimate, it should have positive reviews and security features, such as a lock icon or “https” in the web address during checkout.

Consider using a virtual credit card to add an extra layer of security. These are temporary card numbers generated by your credit card company for online purchases. When you shop using a virtual number, the merchant never sees your actual card information. So, if a website you’ve shopped on is hacked or turns out to be fraudulent, your real card details are safe.

A New Scam

The Better Business Bureau is informing us of a new scam called the Card Decline Scam. When you are shopping online, your card comes up declined. If you try another card, you are just giving another card’s info to the scammers. If you check your statements afterward, you may notice charges you didn’t make. If your first card is declined, do not enter a second one. Please monitor your account and report any charges you didn’t authorize. Also, follow the safety tips above and make sure you are on the right website. If you are on a site like Amazon, where you already have an account, you should not have to enter your account info and card number again. Also, check for the “https” in the web address.

You can enjoy your holiday shopping without falling victim to online card fraud by staying cautious and taking a few simple steps. Stick to trusted websites, use credit cards for extra protection, and consider options like virtual cards to safeguard your information. If you have questions about fraudulent websites or scams, please contact ITC at 1.800.417.8667.

Happy shopping, and may your holiday season be both merry and secure!