November 24, 2008
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News: Holiday Credit Card Protection.
They come out every time. Christmas holiday shopping brings out the low-lifes that thrive on stealing Christmas. Credit card fraud always flourishes during these times. It's important to take a few precautions so to have a pleasant season. One of the best safeguards is also one of the easiest. Make a note on the back of all your debit and credit cards for the cashier to check ID before accepting a payment. The best place to write "See ID" is right above or beneath your signature on the back side of the credit card. It's not foolproof, but it goes a long way and it's easy.
Credit cards with the owner's picture embossed inside are also available. Be extra careful about allowing your card to lay on a public counter exposing the card number to onlookers. Both sides of the card display vital information. The back of the card contains the CVV2 number. This is typically a three-digit number to the right of your signature. This is typically used when making purchases by credit card over the phone or in other instances when you will not be face to face with the person processing your transaction. So guard it carefully.
When shopping with credit cards online, watch closely that your checkout screen isn't spoofed with a fake screen that looks identical to the correct screen. There are a few things to check to protect yourself. All reputable vendors will provide you with a secure connection for your transactions. These are coded on the internet to begin with an "https;//" prefix in the connection address. The "s" at the end verifies that your connection is secure. This will be found in the vender's address, listed in your browser's address bar, under the screen's Title-bar.
If you really have a secure connection, there should also be a ‘lock icon' (may look like a padlock) at the top of your browser. A mouse-click will drop-down a message listing the agency guaranteeing the security. To view the actual certificate, choose ‘View Certificates'. A screen should open, providing all kinds qualifications in greater depth. Look for something like "VeriSign Class 3 Secure Server CA" or some other well-known security agency. Expiration dates and other pertinent information are also shown. This second screen is your connection to the securing agency and has all kinds of explanations about themselves and their client (the vender). Remember, you're protected by the issuing bank as well, with credit cards. Just be sure to check your ‘Recent Transactions' on line frequently. Report any suspicious activities immediately to the bank that issued your credit card. Their service is usually very quick and efficient and leaves you with a secure feeling, even if something is wrong.