When shopping online you have to make sure that the site you use is secure. Such sites are usually denoted by https. This means that when you enter your information the software on the site encrypts the data so that others using the server on the page cannot gain access to your private information. It is also important that when you do enter your credit card information online that you do so on your own computer rather than one that is shared among many users. You should also clear your browser cache from time to time to ensure that someone else cannot see what pages you accessed and try to gain access to your credit card in this way

Always make sure that the site you use for online shopping is secure. These sites will have a privacy statement assuring you that you won’t be endangering your credit card information by shopping on them.  Some of the details of personal information that a fraudulent person can use if he/she does obtain your credit card number is your mother’s maiden name and the three digit number on the back of the card. These two pieces of information could open you up to fraud if you give them to the wrong person.

Only use secure sites when you shop online using your credit card. There are many sites that do not have proper security and your credit card information could become part of the public domain. Before you enter your number to check out with your purchases, check the security and the privacy policy of the site. Some sites, while being secure, so sell or give your information to other sites and this can lead to disaster for your finances

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in the UK has issued warnings about responding to unsolicited phone calls and emails asking for such information. In spite of these warnings, many UK residents have fallen for the fraudsters’ tricks and have given out the requested information. Banks and financial institutions will never call or email you asking for such information. You should be suspicious of any phone calls or emails that require you to give the details of your credit card

The same thing applies to an email that claims to come from the HM Revenue and Customs. UK residents have received such emails telling them that their tax returns have been reviewed and that they are entitled to an additional refund that will be paid to their credit card account. The government will never contact you in this manner and will only do so in writing. Disregard such emails and delete them from your computer