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TIPS to search 1
billion Web pages fast!
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Nikita Agarwal
If you are petrified of using a credit card on the Internet, here's good news: Online transactions are safer than you thought.
This is because online transactions do not involve the cardholder's signature on a slip of paper. If your card is misused on the Internet you can simply refuse to pay. Then the bank that issued the card will have to recover the money from the merchant who sold the goods.
But when you use credit cards offline and sign on slips all the time, it is easier for thieves to copy your credit card number and forge your signature. And then you will have to deal with proving that it is not you who has signed the slip.
Simply put, you can always survive online credit card fraud. But that can't be said of real-world transactions!
Yet people are excessively worried about using credit cards online. Frauds do happen online but you never ever have to pay up in such cases. It is the merchant on the site who ends up paying for fraud. That is one more reason why online shopkeepers go an extra length to ensure security. Besides, learning how to smartly use your card will guarantee that you are the safest when you are shopping on the Net.
Ten commandments for credit card users
- Your browser can tell you if the place you're about to send the information to is secure. Look for an 'unbroken key' or 'closed lock' at the bottom of the browser window. When accessing a secure server, the first characters in the URL line of the browser will change from 'http' to 'https'.
- Look for sites having policies that enable you to choose whether, and in what circumstances, your personal information will be used or shared with others.
- Make sure you know what you're buying, how much it costs, the terms of any guarantees or warranties, the return or cancellation policies and how to contact the company if you have questions.
- Look for the company's actual address and telephone number.
- Think ahead about how you will solve problems if they arise.
- Look for information about whether the seller belongs to a trade group or participates in a programme such as BBBOnLine that helps resolve complaints.
- Never give anyone the password that you use to log on to your computer or Internet service provider.
- Don't provide financial account information unless you are paying for a purchase with that account.
- Print out all the information on your transcript, including the product description, delivery information, privacy policy, warranties and any confirmation notices that the seller sends you.
- If you suspect that something is wrong, call your bank immediately. Do not wait.
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If there is a crime, fight it
The Mumbai police has a cyber crime cell that has been functional for over a year now. It has a handful of technology savvy policemen. And the The Indus Entrepreneurs assist them.
However, according to the IT Act, unless at least one computer involved in the crime is located in India, the case is out of their jurisdiction.
Useful sites for credit card users
- Be-e-Wise - How to Shop Safely Online is a brochure designed to help consumers. Download it for free from the National Consumer League site.
- Join the Cyber Crime Investigation Cell's Email Group.
- Learn how to select a credit card.
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