A few days back a friend booked a hotel in Istanbul through
a reputable website. After a few days he saw that his credit card was used to
purchase a ticket in France by someone else. Another friend went to U.S. 2 years back and his
credit card was imitated and thousands of dollars were used. He came to know
when his credit card stopped working because he had exceeded his limit!
A few days back we booked a hotel in New York (I love the
sound of it also..haha). An SMS informed us that we had been charged around
300$. Since no prepayment was necessary, we inquired from both the website and
the Hotel about the goof-up. Apparently, they had made two bookings for us. And
because there was a no-show, our card was charged. Although this was not a case
of fraud, we’ve become awfully cautious.
Call it a coincidence, I was asked to write something on online
transaction security yesterday. Since I gained so much knowledge, I thought I
should share it with my fellow naïve bloggers who love to shop online!
Start from your laptop. Go to your browser’s website and get
an updated version. This enhances the security features. Also, the Boy told me
that different browsers show different rate from the same website. Apparently there
is some intelligence on who’s more tech savyy! After that, get an anti-virus
installed. Don’t want to spend money? Get a free one.
Next is the security padlock. The lock type sign you see
next to the URL. The url will start with https:// and not http:// . The S
signifies security encrypted.
Look for trust seals. You don’t want your credit card number
reaching shady locations.
Never share credit card details over email. Unless a page is
security encrypted, there are chances your information will go beyond the
retailer.
And don’t open your laptop and splurge at Costa. When you
are using an open Wi-Fi, your computer, credit card and life is at risk. Oh, my
laptop and credit card is my life!!
Keep an eye on your credit card bill. Don't wait for the final date. Sometime they forget to send you an SMS. Most of the times it is when there has been a fraudulent activity. Inform them when you are traveling and leave contact details.. And yes, avoid using your debit card.
Look for warranty of a product. Dig deeper into shipment
charges, after sales service and the works. And always, always look for refund
and exchange policy. We booked a Europe tour for the Boy’s parents. A few days before the trip my FIL was
diagnosed with a heart disease and we had to cancel the trip. The cancellation
charges were exorbitant. Again, not a case of fraud, but you must check all
this before making an online purchase.
That’s enough of techno crap for one year. I also want to
read more about swiping credit cards and blah. When I do that, I’ll definitely
show-off my limited knowledge! Right now I need to get back to my travel plans
where I can open my age old Explorer and book hotels. No wait, this time I’ll
use the updated Chrome.
