If you've been keeping up with the news, you're probably aware that credit card theft has been on the rise recently all around the world. Credit card users have become a new target for fraudsters as online transactions have developed and become more popular, which may deter consumers from using them. Actually, it's not necessary for that to be the case. You may take use of all the advantages that credit cards have to offer without ever falling victim to fraud if you exercise a little caution or awareness of your surroundings.
Finding a technique to ensure that everything will be in order and that what you buy or pay for will be done frequently is vital to attain security and trust in the process. Here are a few pointers to help you become more self-aware so you can make a wise choice and avoid being conned.
Trusted Internet Connection
Even if most people could care less about it, it is still a crucial component of shopping and using a credit card to make online payments. Use caution while using public networks or networks without passwords as they are typically not safe. You must be cautious about which network you are authorized to use to access the internet due to the increasing use of public wi-fi. When you use public wi-fi, you run the risk of opening yourself up to a number of frauds, and your phone might be taken over in a matter of minutes.
You run the danger of getting conned or having your credit card information stolen if you utilize public wi-fi for any online purchase. Use your mobile data to do financial transactions without worrying whether you must use public Wi-Fi, such as at an airport or railway station.
Use Reliable Websites
Although it may be able for the majority of young people to recognize unsafe websites, that isn't always the case for our parents! For instance, someone could use their credit card to make a transaction after seeing an internet advertisement for an unauthorized or unsolicited merchant.
You should warn your family not to fall into this massive trap. For secure online transactions, always utilize reputable websites and their online portals. Don't click on their links, put their website address into a different browser, and double-check that their website has a "HTTPS" prefix to verify for legitimacy because frauds can appear like legitimate transactions.
Don't Give Strangers Your Credit Card Information
You must always use your card in front of you while making an offline transaction. Don't give strangers your credit card information since they could use it to conduct fraud.
Your credit card may be changed with a replica, which would leave you open to receiving bogus calls from your bank. Make sure your bank offers fraud protection when you apply for a credit card. Reputable financial institutions like IndusInd Bank provide additional fraud precautions and protection in the event that your card is lost or stolen.
Update Your PIN
A bank representative will give you a PIN number when making any kind of card so that you may use it safely. This PIN number is received from the manufacturer. This password expires after a while, but you can always replace it with another one that is distinct from the original.
Even if it is more secure to use MasterCard or VISA Secure cards, consumers are still too lazy to routinely change their passwords in order to maintain their security. Therefore, be careful to update it every quarter and keep it private.
Conclusion
Follow the advice to the letter to keep getting the advantages that credit cards have to offer. Our level of security might occasionally rely on our bank, but most significantly, it depends on ourselves. Therefore, be honest with yourself and take all required precautions to keep secure online by paying with a credit card, since it is the only way you can be certain that no one will harm you or steal some of your money.
