ANSWERS: 10
  • i would never buy anything off the computer with a credit card. i dont put that kind of information on my computer because if you get a virus they can find that information and take it and use it to destroy you
  • I think that now, with the ease of finding prepaid reloadable credit cards, those are the best options for online purchases. No one can run up a high bill if you keep the amount on there minimal for your needs. If you plan on shpping online, set yourself out a certain amount, and go purchase a prepaid visa, and put the money in that. Hell, you can even buy reloadable visas at Wal Mart now!
  • When you purchase online, you should check the,"about us", check for the little lock on the tool bar. Also it's better to pay with paypal whenever possible.
  • I buy stuff online all the time. Never had a problem. Just remember to buy from well know websites like Amazon.com.
  • The majority are safe. Remember when you use your card in person the same information takes the same electronic route as on the internet. In fact, in person transactions include a middleman (the sales clerk). 98% of credit card fraud at retail establishments is perpetrated by these same clerks.
  • I've been doing a lot of online shopping and banking for many years. First, you *must* have safe browsing habits and a secure PC. Keep your antivirus, firewall, and spyware scanners up to date and run them regularly. Consider using a more secure browser, such as Opera. Make sure you download *all* security updates for your operating system as they become available. Do not visit any website that offers porn, warez, or illegal music or video. Or song lyrics--I don't know why, but those places are usually loaded with drive-by downloads. Keep an eye on all of your financial information. Only use one credit card for online purchases and keep records of your spending. If you're really paranoid, subscribe to a credit monitoring service. Definitely get your free credit reports each year. There are three credit agencies, so spread the free reports out so you get one every four months. Finally, to keep your credit card number secure, some companies offer a service where they issue a temporary number through their website or a utility on your computer. If the number is intercepted or the company you're dealing with is disreputable, they can't take any more than you've authorized them to. Online activity is only one element of keeping your finances secure, though. There is a lot of identity theft going on right now that is carried out by stealing the victim's mail. Keep your mailbox close to your front door, and think about getting a locking box. It won't keep out anyone determined to break in, but it will reduce your vulnerability to opportunists. Your trash is another soft point. Shred anything that has an account number or other personal information on it. That may seem like an awful lot to do, but if you set up a routine you can keep yourself safe with a minimum of ongoing effort.
  • I dont think you should trust credit card companies. Recently I was billed over 200 dollars for something I never purchased. However, in the companies defense they have been very nice about it. My card was canceled and they have issued me a new one and taken off the charge. But it has been a hassle and if I was the worrying type it could have been a disaster emotionally.
  • do believe it is very safe but problems are possible-i may be paranoid but pre-paid cards are the safest bet-the small cost of them is worth the guarantee of safety to me-----smile and enjoy the day
  • My wife and I shop online with our credit cards regularly and have for years. I have had 3 instances of CC fraud. Two of those were on the same card, and that was because the idiot CC company didn't think it was necessary to cancel the card after the first fraud, and just had us file a dispute. The card was subsequently used a 2nd time. That time, I insisted they cancel the card and then cancelled the card myself, because I felt the company was obviously stupid and I didn't want to deal with them anymore. Most online shopping is very safe. I am always careful to check out the companies I buy from, however, and try to verify they are a legitimate business. I always use a credit card, and NEVER use my debit card. A stolen credit card number is a debt owed that can be disputed without immediate damage to me. A stolen debit card can wipe out my checking account. Though that can also be disputed and the funds recovered, it takes a little time and it directly affects my available immediate funds. We view all of our accounts online, and we do it regularly. It is important to keep an eye on your own accounts! This worked fabulously, once, as the 3rd instance of fraud was actually caught the same day and we immediately called the business, Best Buy, and were able to stop the merchandise from being shipped. :) Some companies now have it set up where you can have a separate CC number to be used strictly for online shopping. I haven't done this yet, so I'm unsure of the what the actual benefit would be, unless it contains a caveat that the merchandise can only be shipped to the billing address, which would be good, in that case. I really don't know, though. Regardless, online CC theft can be disputed, just like if the card were physically stolen. It's a bit of a hassle to fill out paperwork if you have to dispute a charge, but it's not a major headache and it doesn't cost you any money, in the end. To me, the benefits of shopping online with my CC far outweigh the potential 'danger' of the situation. I would estimate that we have made close to 1,000 online purchases and had 3 incidents. I'd say that number pretty much speaks for itself. :)
  • I buy all sorts of things online and have never had a problem. I use good well-established companies. Most sites have a secure site and you can see the little locked thing on your browser. Been shopping online since 94 with not one bad deal.

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