Online shopping has become quite common these days with every other individual buying merchandise online with credit and debit card programs. However, when shopping online, many people are unaware of the safety measures that need to be taken in order to prevent identity theft, and other fraud cases.

One of the most common safety measures that people should take while shopping online is to avoid using debit card programs for their transactions. The reason for this is that debit cards lack the safety that can be found in other credit and prepaid card programs. Nevertheless, while online shopping is a convenient means of making purchases, there are a number of precautions that should be taken regardless of your payment methods. These precautionary steps include:

1. Only Shop at Sites that You Trust. Some people create websites just to steal information from naive people who failed to investigate the site’s authenticity. To avoid this happening to you, avoid clicking on links sent in your spam emails, read customer reviews, and ask around amongst your family and friends about the site.

Avoid Credit Card Transactions in Public Places. If you are browsing the online store from a public computer or network, avoid making purchases from it, as there is a greater risk of your credit card information being stolen from easily accessible public systems.

Use antivirus protection. On personal laptops and desktop computers, always install antivirus software and firewall before you shop online. This is just a precautionary measure to ensure that your credit card details are not accessed by a hacker via your computer’s network.

4. Steer Clear of Debit Card Programs. Try not to make a transaction online using a debit card, as they are more vulnerable of being hacked. In the instance, your debit card is hacked; the money in the account vanishes. With a credit card, a scenario such as this is less likely to occur.

Keep a record of your online transactions. Most online stores provide you with the facility to print your receipts and keep them with you as a record for your transactions. Make sure that you print the receipt and file it away in case of emergencies in the future. Printed receipts can also be used to calculate your expenses and determine if the right amount of money is being charged to you at the end of the month.

Get the convenience of buying everything you need via online stores and get them delivered to your doorstep, but just remember to keep the above given precautions in mind so that your credit card transactions will be performed safely.

Credit and debit card programs have made it extremely convenient to purchase expensive items without making cash payments. So get your credit card safely for all your online shopping sprees!