Credit Card: Effective ways to protect your credit card information when shopping online

This weekend promises to be a shopping extravaganza as the Flipkart and Amazon Independence Day sale is open. Customers can get big discounts on credit card transactions during the Flipkart Big Savings Days Sale and the Amazon Great Freedom Festival. A number of other websites are also offering cheap and affordable products to consumers. But, there is a risk of getting cheated online amid the shopping frenzy. Online frauds are on the rise, with fraudsters looking to gain access to your credit card details.

With the sale season on, it’s important to take a few precautions to stay safe against scammers. These basic cyber safety measures will make your online shopping experience safe and secure.

Shop on trusted websites only

Do not visit random websites to avail what you believe is a great offer. Stick to verified e-commerce outlets and ensure that you do a bit of research before finalising the seller and product.

Use one designated card only

Do not use all your credit cards for online shopping. Designate one card to be used for online transactions only. This can make it easier for you to handle your finances. Ensure that you enable notifications for every transaction.

Do not use public Wi-Fi networks

It is advisable to remain prudent and exercise caution while using other internet networks. Do not go in for Wi-Fi networks which are free. Hackers can use these networks to bypass your device’s security and steal your personal and financial details.

Install anti-malware software

Ensure your devices have the best possible security software installed. This can prevent any viruses or malware from infecting your system and stealing your credit card information.

Do not save your card details

Several merchant outlets give you the option of saving your card details. While this may be a convenient option, it can make it easier for anyone to access your information on the platforms. It is a safer choice to enter your card details each time.

Set a daily limit on credit card transactions

People often forget to set limits on their card transactions. This can make it easy for scammers to steal money from their accounts without the victim noticing. Ensure that you set a daily limit on your credit card transactions so that you can get notified about any suspicious activity immediately.

Check your credit card statements regularly

Keep a regular check on your credit card statements. This can help you keep track of your transactions and catch any financial irregularities.