When is it safe to give my credit card details over the InterNet?

Question

I’m worried about giving my credit card details over the InterNet to buy things (not porn). I’ve heard that if one’s credit card details get into the wrong hands one’s liability is not limited by the credit limit on the card but someone could keep making debits even if I cancelled the card. My father says Amazon is safe. I’ve heard that Paypal isn’t. What about a debit card? I’m looking for something where I have limited liability of fraud.

Answer 1

Make sure you only go to reputable site for purchases and that credit card information in encrypted on the site. When this is secured, the people handling your transaction at the other end do not receive your details, just the computer that manages the site does ... if you have any doubts about the firm online, do not deal with them.

Answer 2

Sure its not porn. You pervert. j/k

Other people will respond about credit cards, so I will respond about debit cards. Buying on debit cards is smarter if you are the least bit prone to buying on credit what you have no cash to make the same purchase with. Debit cards are just instruments that hold a value, and you eat away at that value with each purchase. Little chance of overdraft, fees, BS, etc. But you can only buy what your card (prepaid account) will allow. You cannot buy something for $1000 if your account only has $999 in it. Then again, buying on debit guarantees you will NEVER get another credit card bill again... ever.

However, disputing charges can be a pain in the @ss with debit cards from large banks. If going debit, get one from a small, podunk bank with only one or a few locations, that will actually remember your name. Those people will fight more for you on charge disputes, than a big bank that couldnt care less.

FYI-Some banks and other institutions that want a credit-debit card to rent you something, or otherwise hold a deposit, will reject debit cards and will not do business with you unless you have a credit card. Some car rentals are the same way.

OK, on Paypal, its OK but there is nobody at Paypal who gives a rat's @ss about you or your account. ZERO customer service. If a transaction goes bad, you've got a 50/50 shot of getting your money back. Dont bet on it.

Amazon has been cool to date. No major issues. But you cant go out to eat and pay for it with an "Amazon" card.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I don't think it is ever perfectly safe , and most people are going to say never, but in this day of internet shopping how can you not give to company's who have a pretty good track record. Companys you have heard of. The only problem I have had is with these 14 day or 30 trials. I always forget to cancel and I get the first months payment taken out . I always get it back but what a pain.
Good luck Jerry

Answer 4

always make sure that you are visiting reliable websites. after that, look for the lock on the lower right hand side of the screen. most trusted reliable places like amazon offer a good way of data encription (making it imposible to read by others surffing or hacking the web). Also, credit card companies like Bank of America have a 0% liability on purchases made with their visa products. Its better to spare the problem of having to go through a dispute process to get your money back in case your information gets compromised, so I would stick to secure websites. I encourage it, I am an online shopper and pay ALL of my bills online, just with caution

Answer 5

You need to use 1 card only. No matter how many sites. You need to make sure that the site is a secure site. You should see a lock in the lower right side of the box.
If you still are nervous, you should order by telephone.

Answer 6

most credit cards limit liability to $50 for fraud.

Answer 7

never give any personal information out on the internet or over the phone. thats just asking for trouble

Answer 8

Usually the only time it is safe to give out that info is when it is to a Nigerian who can't get his $10000000 out of Nigeria. Next time you get one of those emails make sure you give all of your banking info.