CREDIT CARDS - WHAT NOT TO DO ONLINE

WARNING WILL ROBINSON - WARNING - WARNING!!

I hope the gentleman involved doesn't take offence at this story being told but as I am not mentioning his name and it is in the public good, I'm sure it will be cool.

He sent me an email with a query about purchasing a methodology on the site and asked about credit card payment and I, of course, directed him to the paypal section on the method he was interested in. Well somehow, things got lost a bit in the translation and that's when almost disaster happened.

Next thing to arrive was another e-mail from him with his credit card number, expiry date, and the 3 digit security number form the rear of the card.

Oh dear oh dear - a recipe for disaster!

Now while I value this person's business, he doesn't know me from a bar of soap or what my criminal proclivities may or may not be.Had I been of the criminal element next week would have been a GREAT week and this man's Visa card would have been maxed out and then some. And, because he had obviously given the security PIN to someone, he would not have been covered by the bank's fraud policy.

NEVER EVER EVER undertake this type of transaction by giving someone you don't know details about your credit card like that. This site uses Paypal for security reasons and you should too for exactly the same reason. Giving your security PIN to a web site person you don't know should be high on your list of things NEVER to do.

While we're on the subject here are more smart tips for using credit cards:

Consider using a safe Internet payment system, such as PayPal.

Make sure your browser supports SSL (supported browsers include Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, Chrome and Firefox).

Don't send your credit card number in an e-mail - e-mails are broadcast over the Internet in plain text and can be intercepted by anyone.

Avoid using public computers (e.g. Internet cafes, libraries etc) for Internet banking.

Only use your credit card to shop at reputable sites.

Investigate the company before shopping online. Do they have contact phone numbers? Are they located in Australia?.

Don't let anyone swipe your card twice without giving you a 'transaction cancelled' receipt.

Use the microchip if your card and the merchant support it. It is more secure than the magnetic strip.

Don't ever sign a blank transaction receipt.