In Online Shopping: Play it safe, we gave 10 tips on how to shop safely in cyberspace.
But the biggest question on any online shopper's mind is: "What if my card is used be someone else to make purchases?"
Good question.
Before we attempt to answer it, let's start with how the system words.
The process
When you make a purchase online, you pay for it via your credit card. This will entail providing such details as your name, credit card number and the expiry date of the card.
Many sites store this information and then get an authorisation for your purchase amount using just these two details.
Your order is processed by the shopping site.
Fraud takes place when someone gets hold of this information and makes a purchase on your card.
How must you deal with fraud?
Preeti Desai, President, Internet and Mobile Association of India, suggests the following precautionary measures.
1. Get organised
Store all transaction details and e-mails that you exchange with a shopping site.
If, for any reason, a product you ordered has not been delivered or is damaged, immediately send an e-mail to the customer service department of the Web site stating the transaction details such as order number and date of purchase.
Also, follow up with the customer service department to check out how long it will take for your complaint to be resolved.
2. Get in touch with your bank
If your credit card statement reflects charges for items you have not purchased, inform your credit card company immediately.
They will reverse charges on the transaction till due diligence proves the case for either party.
If you have not done the transaction, you have nothing to worry.
Preeti adds a note of caution here. "Remember, your credit card details are more likely to fall into the wrong hands offline than online. In an offline transaction -- for instance, while paying for a meal in a restaurant -- your credit card is out of your sight, and it is easy for unscrupulous elements to note down the details."
Finally, if your complaint is not resolved, you can write to the IAMAI by mailing them at info@iamai.in.
How you can play it safe
While we did explain how to securely shop online in Online shopping: Play it safe, here are some tips on how to always be vigilant about your payments.
For one, never send your credit card details by e-mail, even on request from any online shopping site.
Check your monthly credit card statements carefully. If you identify any irregularities, talk to your bank immediately.
How will you know if there are irregularities in your bill?
Keep all your credit card payment receipts along with a list on your online purchases. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your record. Tally the bill. It may be a little time consuming, but remember it is your money at stake.
A simpler option is to dedicate a single credit card only for online purchases. Of course, this is only a viable option if you plan to shop online a lot.
This will make it easier for you to keep an eye on frauds and monitor purchases. Should fraud take place and you want to stop using this card, you will still be able to use the others for offline transactions.
The good news is that in the case of credit card fraud, you will not be held liable for payment since there is no physical signature involved in an online transaction. That is why, when shopping online, it is wise to stick to your credit card instead of using your debit card.