January 07, 2009
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News: On-line Shopping Safer than at the Store.
Perhaps it's a little like flying. People have a problem digesting that, statistically, flying is safer than riding in a car. So it is with credit cards and online shopping. Technology has come a long way in the last few years and many people don't realize that nearly all on-line shopping with credit cards has become fully automatic. The big difference is that computers don't commit theft, people do. With in-person credit card shopping, more people are involved than with on-line shopping. It has been found that this complement of protection has resulted in a much lower percentage of credit card theft then when actually presenting your card in person. By following these safety checks, on-line credit card shopping has proven to be safe.
Again, it cannot be overemphasized how important it is to only shop with reputable businesses with your credit card. One way to ensure this is to only deal in situations where you are the one initiating the conversation. Don't risk using the convenient ‘easy-click' method provided by solicitors. Do not give out personal information when you have not initiated the conversation. Always, the greatest danger deals with dishonest people somewhere in the chain. So, when it's online, just staying with reputable businesses will generally keep you safe.
In the bigger picture consider that most people are very surprised the first time they ever see their own credit reports. It's not only interesting to see what other people are saying about you but, even more interesting, to see who these people think you are. You'll find every possible spelling of your name but may be surprised to find an ‘alias' there, planted by a thief so they can safely pose as you. You can see who's been checking you out and why. You'll also see all your important credit card statistics here. If you are being victimized and don't know it, this may tip you off.