There are a lot of consumer advantages to shopping online. You can shop anytime and from anywhere. Your purchases are delivered right to your door. Many online shopping sites offer significant discounts on their products. Yet, you may have some concerns about using your credit card online. Is your personal information really secure? Who gets to see it? What happens if someone disreputable gets hold of your account number?

First, be aware. Using your credit card in a smart manner is your best defense against online credit card fraud. Second, check your credit card’s policies. Many cards offer protection against unauthorized online purchases, so even if someone does steal your information, you may not be responsible for what they’ve spent.

While online shopping may not be 100% safe, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your experience is a positive one. Here are some tips to help you decide when and how to use your credit card online.

• Only make purchases from reputable dealers. If you’re not sure a website is legitimate, don’t buy from it! Some disreputable sites “mirror” reputable ones in order to scam consumers. Check the web site’s address (URL) in your browser to be sure you’re where you want to be. If something seems “fishy,” leave the site!
• Only enter your card information at sites using secure servers and/or data encryption. To make your purchase secure, a reputable website will encrypt, or scramble, your data before it’s sent over the internet. That way, unauthorized third parties are unable to read your information. Secure sites will display a locked padlock icon in your browser toolbar, so check for it before making a purchase.
• Keep a paper trail. Print out copies of online receipts for purchases. File them with your credit card information, and check your monthly billing statements just like you would for in-person credit card purchases.
• Use a credit card rather than an ATM or debit card. ATM cards, debit cards, and check cards don’t usually have specific online fraud protection; most credit cards, however, do.
• Don’t give out any information that seems irrelevant to your purchase. For instance, if you’re buying from an online auction, there’s no reason the dealer should need your Social Security number.
• Always read the fine print and privacy policies before signing up. Many scams lure consumers with offers of free membership trials or other perks.You shouldn’t have to give out credit card information for a free trial period. Be especially cautious with offers that are sent to you via email or that originate in pop-up windows on another website. “Adult” websites are notorious for tricking consumers with free trial offers that turn out not to be free.
• If you suspect that your credit card has been used without your consent, contact your card issuer immediately. At the very least, you can block future purchases from that card number. You may not be responsible for all or part of the charges made.

Online shopping with a credit card is safe if you’re smart about it. So make informed decisions, and enjoy the freedom that buying online can give.