Tips
An increasing number of online stores now request a CVV or card verification number when making a purchase. The CVV code is the small code shown on the signature bar on the back of your card. Normally the last 3 digits of the code are required. This is to prevent someone who has managed to get your name; card number and expiration date from being able to make purchases using your card.
Another security feature that credit card companies are using is to create another level of security by adding an additional password. An example of this is Verified by Visa or Mastercard Secure Code. This is an optional feature so only offers support with selected websites or payment processing systems. If you activate the code and shop on sites that carry the logo, the check out process will require the password you set up in order to authorize your purchase.
Never send your credit card details through non-secure online methods such as via email. Such methods will offer little protection
Credit cards tend to offer more protection than debit cards as they don't directly remove funds from your own bank account. If a transaction goes under investigation or proves to be fraudulent, you may never end up out of pocket with a credit card providing your card issuer provides protection.
Some sites keep a record of adverse reports made about companies. A US site is the National Fraud Information Center (US).
If you are buying from another country, check such matters as the currency that you are paying in, exchange rates and the possibility of sales duties or taxes being levied on your purchase when it reaches you.[Also be sure that what you purchase from another country is legal in your country.
With first-time purchases, if you are unfamiliar with the site, you may want to test it with an inexpensive purchase to begin with.
Take advantage of one-time-use *virtual credit cards offered by many card issuers.
