RISKIEST PLACES TO USE YOUR CREDIT CARD
Even if you use the utmost caution, you can still be a victim of credit card scams. Credit card providers and banks are more and more often placing the burden of finding and catching bogus or incorrect credit card charges on the consumer.
The most important thing is to look at your billing statement, needless to say. And there are organizations like Creditcards.com that provide tips on how to maintain your cards safe too. Here, we take a look at 10 of the riskiest spots you might use your card, according to Creditcards.com , and what you can do in order to avoid the hazards.
Even if you use the utmost caution, you can still be a victim of credit card scams. Credit card providers and banks are more and more often placing the burden of finding and catching bogus or incorrect credit card charges on the consumer.
The most important thing is to look at your billing statement, needless to say. And there are organizations like Creditcards.com that provide tips on how to maintain your cards safe too. Here, we take a look at 10 of the riskiest spots you might use your card, according to Creditcards.com , and what you can do in order to avoid the hazards.
NON-BANK-OWNED ATMS
Security at these types of ATMs is often less high-quality than at bank ATMs, meaning some locations are just not as safe. These ATMs also are more likely to be hacked. And perhaps, people have placed devices that look like ATMs but don't give out cash. Instead, these are just card-skimming devices geared towards robbing your credit card or debit card information.
Flea Markets
Flea market merchants are sometimes transient and can be difficult to locate if there is a problem with charges. It's especially true for sellers who don't have online credit card terminals and instead make carbon duplicates of your credit card.
That doesn't mean those vendors are necessarily fraudulent, but it definitely makes the transaction less secure. The credit card company will often have trouble performing a charge back. If you are going to the flea market, take cash. It is also much easier to negotiate that way.
Flea market merchants are sometimes transient and can be difficult to locate if there is a problem with charges. It's especially true for sellers who don't have online credit card terminals and instead make carbon duplicates of your credit card.
That doesn't mean those vendors are necessarily fraudulent, but it definitely makes the transaction less secure. The credit card company will often have trouble performing a charge back. If you are going to the flea market, take cash. It is also much easier to negotiate that way.
Small Shops/Cafes in Foreign Countries
These smaller merchants have a significantly greater percentage of credit card fraud reported by large banks and credit card companies. Many of these transactions end up being written off by the banks since the merchants simply cannot be located. There's just a higher potential for fraud when you are getting outside of the mainstream, so when unsure, use cash.
Non-Secure Online Checkout
Common sense. Any safe, reputable e-commerce website is going to have a secure checkout page, such as the one shown . In the URL, it must show an HTTPS, with the S standing for Secure. In the event that doesn't appear, it ought to be a warning sign. Yo u can almost be sure it's not legitimate, and even if it is, you're opening yourself to that financial transaction being seen by others.
Wi-Fi Hotspots and Public Computers
In case you are gonna be making online transactions over an unsecured wi-fi network like in cafes, parks as well as other hot spots, data may be compromised or seen while in transit, even if you're on a secure page while you are checking out. The same goes for public computers like in libraries. It's not advisable to at any time transmit private data when you are in a public connection environment, particularly on non-secure wireless.
Recurring Bills/Subscriptions
Instead of using automated billing, ask to be billed on a one-time bill by bill basis instead. If you use your credit card for purchases that involve weekly, monthly or annual billings, it is possible to encounter the frustration of over-billings, continued billing once a subscription is finished, etc. Some less-than honest merchants will use automatic billing in hopes you'll forget about it and won't check your credit card statement.
Purchases on Smart Phones
Purchases on smart phones can also be less than secure. If your smart phone connects to a public wi-fi signal, you are much less secure. Someone else could very well see the financial transaction, or malware (SPYWARE) can be placed on your device that could potentially broadcast your financial information.
Unsolicited E-mail Offers
Unless you've signed up for solicitations from particular companies, be wary. Check the URL in the e-mail. If it looks suspect, don't visit it. Yo u can always contact the company through their official Web site to confirm the legitimacy of the offer.
Strange and Foreign Domain Extensions
If you are likely to be shopping on the web, it's best to stick with websites which use a .com file format. And be sure there is a secure checkout. With extensions for countries away from U.S. - like .ru for Russia - use caution and make sure the company you're purchasing from is actually located in the country depicted in the domain extension.
Suspect Swipe Terminals
If there's something that looks suspicious at an ATM or perhaps a gas pump credit card swipe terminal - like a separate stand-alone device for you to swipe your card through - or something appears like it's been added onto the terminal, reconsider using it. More often than not, those types of add-ons are put there by thieves to allow them to take your credit card data.
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