There are many ways to PROTECT YOUR CREDIT CARD DATUM, including using secure passwords and not storing your card information on a website. The following are the most important ways to protect your personal data. Do not use your social security number, magnetic stripe code, or password to make everyday purchases. You can also prevent identity theft by using online fraud alerts. These services alert you when your card has been used without your permission.
Avoid giving out your social security number for everyday purchases
One of the most effective ways to protect your personal data is to avoid giving out your social security number for everyday purchases. Your social security number is an almost universal way to identify yourself. In fact, your SSN is requested at many places, from restaurants to banks. However, refusing to provide your SSN to a retailer could lead to identity theft. Listed below are three ways to protect your information. If you’re unsure, ask questions to ensure your privacy.
Never provide your SSN to strangers. Do not answer unsolicited emails or fill out forms online. Don’t give out your SSN to anyone without a legitimate reason. Keep tabs on your bank and credit card balances. Sign up for account alerts from your bank. Some banks even allow you to receive phone calls or text messages if your balance changes. This way, you’ll know before anyone else.
Avoid storing credit card information on a website
One way to protect your personal information online is to avoid writing or emailing your credit card numbers. Many web browsers store this information on your computer. If you’re a victim of fraud, you should avoid using an open WiFi network. If you have to give out your social security number, you should be suspicious. If you’re unsure, shred the document or go paperless. Never store your social security number on any website or autofill feature.
Some websites or services claim to protect your information, but the company that stores it might be vulnerable to a data breach. When you store your credit card information online, the risk of it being stolen is higher. This is because a criminal can use it to make fraudulent purchases. Manually entering your card information is a more secure option. However, the convenience is a double edged sword. In addition to protecting your credit card information, it will save you time and frustration.
Avoid giving out your magnetic stripe code
You may not realize it, but magnetic stripe cards have security flaws that make them easy to copy. These flaws allow criminals to install devices on legitimate card readers that read the information on the magnetic stripe. These devices then use the data to make fraudulent purchases and even steal your PIN. If you’ve ever been a victim of fraud, you know that giving out your magnetic stripe code is a huge security risk. Thankfully, there’s a better way.
Chip cards are more secure than magnetic stripe cards, but only if the merchants process them. You can’t trust the security of magnetic stripe cards if the store you’re buying from doesn’t have a chip-enabled device. It’s better to use a chip card, but be prepared to pay a higher price for a card that doesn’t have a chip reader.
Avoid giving out your password
When creating a password for your online banking or credit card accounts, make sure it’s a complex one. Effective passwords have a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. You can also create a phrase by substituting certain words with numbers and ampersands. Remember that your password should not contain any of your personal details. Never write your password down or give it to anyone.
Avoid giving out your security code over the phone
When processing payments over the phone, you may be asked for your security code. While this may sound like a good idea, this step can actually put your credit card data at risk. While it’s safe to provide this information over the phone, businesses also worry about fraudsters using stolen credit cards. Also, businesses have difficulty verifying your identity when making a purchase face-to-face. If you are unsure whether the transaction is safe, use a secure online payment method instead.
If you’re using your credit card over the telephone, you should consider using another form of payment. You can purchase something online with the retailer’s security code, but be careful where you give it to. Scammers can easily steal your information by posing as bank representatives and asking for your credit card number, expiration date, and other sensitive information over the phone. Never give out your security code over the phone to strangers – you never know who’s trying to extort you.
