Shop Safe Online with Credit Cards - Read more about safe shopping with credit cards

Shop Safe Online With Credit Cards

On the internet you can buy anything. You name it and you can find it for sale online. But many people are still concerned about using their credit cards online in case their details are stolen. If you take know how to protect your details and employ the online security services offered by your credit card issuer and bank, you can avoid being a victim of credit card fraud.

Before completing checkout, you must be certain about what you are buying. Some banks may not protect you if you have contributed to a fraudulent transaction.

• Purchase items that have precise descriptions and clear pictures.
• Check the total amount before you buy - this includes delivery, insurance, and currency.
• Check to see if there are any warranties.
• Check delivery details.
• Check the returns policy - some online stores won't accept returns if you change your mind.
• Check that the business will protect your privacy.

If you are purchasing items from overseas, remember to check final costs after currency conversion. Double check to see if the import is legal or if any customs charges apply.

Also be aware that Australian consumer protection laws may not apply.

To protect yourself and your credit card details, you should always use reputable firewalls, anti-virus software, spy-ware detectors and have hard to crack passwords.

You should never give out credit card details via email, especially if you don't know the person. Always keep a record of your credit card transactions and check your online credit card statements regularly to confirm them. If there is anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.

If the merchant looks dodgy, don't go through with your purchase.

Remember to check:

• If the merchant has a registered business and their ABN is clearly visible.
• Are all their contact details clearly visible and their street address is available (not just a GPO Box).

The industry standard technology for online shopping is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Websites that use SSL have website addresses starting with HTTPS: instead of HTTP:

If you are using the latest version of your browser and the store has Extended Validation SSL Certificate, all or part of your address bar may turn green.

There should be an unbroken padlock or key symbol at the bottom right hand corner of your browser window frame. The padlock means any private information you send over the Internet will be encrypted or scrambled.

Check that the seller is who they say they are, their certificate is current and is registered to the right address by clicking on the padlock, as this symbol alone is not a guarantee of safety.

Visa and MasterCard have developed their own technologies to help protect your credit card details online, working in conjunction with your bank.

Verified by Visa adds a password to your Visa credit card for you to enter while completing online transactions. Your credit card is automatically recognised as being protected with Verified by Visa at all participating online stores. A message will appear to confirm that you are buying from a legitimate merchant and after you enter your password, your transaction continues as normal.

MasterCard SecureCode protects your online credit card information by requesting a SecureCode. When you are shopping with a participating online merchant, a pop up box will appear requesting your SecureCode. After entering the SecureCode, your bank confirms you are the authorised cardholder and you continue with your transaction as normal.

Banks will normally protect your credit cards against unauthorised charges providing that you have not caused or contributed to the loss.

ANZ Credit Cards: ANZ uses the ANZ Falcon security system, a system that tracks your credit card transactions. If there is anything suspicious, ANZ will immediately contact you. The ANZ Falcon system is used in conjunction with Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Aussie Credit Cards: Aussie credit cards are protected by Secure Sentinel. This fraud protection service is used in addition to MasterCard SecureCode.

Citibank Credit Cards: Citibank uses Fraudshield to protect their credit card customers. If any suspicious transactionsare detected, you will be immediately contacted. Fraudshield is used in conjunction with Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

Commonwealth Bank Credit Cards: The Commonwealth Bank uses Secure Sentinel, Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode to protect their cardholders.

NAB Credit Cards: The National Australia Bank uses Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

St George Credit Cards: St George often contacts customers to ensure that credit card transactions are correct. This is done in addition to using the Falcon Fraud system. St George also has Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode.

When you take your online safety into your own hands and use the protection systems offered by your bank and your credit card issuers, you can shop online safely.