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Credit Card Fraud Strikes Again
By John F | June 13, 2008
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British online retailers cottontraders.co.uk were hacked in early 2008 and allegedly [they won't release exact numbers] 38,000 customers credit card details were accessed. Apparently all the data was encrypted and all affected customers were informed of credit card fraud violation.
What this highlights is that buying products over the Internet is as dangerous as buying something from a physical shop. What I mean is, when buying an item from a shop you could be mugged or robbed of your credit card going to or from the shop, or somebody working in the shop could clone your card. People who say buying over the Internet is more dangerous than ‘real-world’ shopping are talking out of their backsides.
So what can you do if you regularly buy products from the Internet? I’ve put seven suggestions/tips below:
Tip 1 - Ensure your computer has the following programs installed, regularly updated and working every time you are online.
- Anti-virus
- Firewall
- System cleaner
- Anti-spyware program
Tip 2 - Limit what personal details you make available on social networking sites. If you use Facebook, bebo, Myspace or any similar social networking site then be aware that some personal details that you entered when signing up are available for most people to see. Your location, your surname, email addresses and phone numbers etc are visible and these can and will be used by fraudsters to clone your identity. Re-visit what details you have input on any social networking site.
Tip 3 - If you use chat rooms or use an instant messenger program then do not give out any credit card, bank account or personal details, especially to people you have just met online. They may seem genuine, but if they are not it will take them less than one hour to clone your details and start wrecking your credit history and spending your money.
Tip 4 - Shred all unwanted personal data. Yes, you may know this, but do you actually do it? Use a cross cut shredder. They cost a bit more than the straight-line shredders, but they are worth it. Shred everything you don’t want. Bank statements, credit card statements, and phone bills, even junk mail. Don’t throw it away if it has your address or any personal details on it. If any piece of mail contains any personal details, then shred it.
Tip 5 - Check your bank and credit card statements regularly, without fail. If you spot anything suspicious, then get on the phone quick smart and query it. Especially if you see a holiday, computer, flights or trip into space [ok I exaggerate a little here!] that you never purchased.
Tip 6 - When buying from the Internet you should use a credit card rather than a debit card. You have much more protection when purchasing goods via your credit card. Phone up your credit card firm and ask what type of protection they offer. If they don’t, I’d advise moving to a company that does offer online protection.
Tip 7 - When out and about shopping never let your credit or debit card leave your site. Especially in the UK now, there is no reason as chip and pin means that you only need to enter your pin for any purchases, which can be done with portable terminals. Be very careful at hotels, restaurants and petrol stations, these seem to be the worst culprits for cloning cards.
Topics: Computer Privacy Usefulness |
June 13th, 2008 at 6:15 am
I just stopped by your blog and thought I would say hello. I like your site design. Looking forward to reading more down the road.
June 13th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Hi Aaron. Many thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
June 13th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
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