Ordering stuff online - security?

Question

Does it really matter if a website says "secure," or "secured by such and such?" I mean as long as your infor is out there, aren't you at risk? I've been ordering stuff online lately, but I prolly shouldn't since I have a debit card, and that's worse than using credit (I only have a debit card). But from what I understand if you can say the charges are fraudulent, your bank will take them off. I recently read about a woman whose card got charged with all kinds of whack charges from Indonesia. She thinks it because she ordered a plane ticket online. But I mean aren't you just as much at risk if you give your card to a waitress or gas attendant? My dad wants me to use his credit card when I buy stuff online, but I don't want to do that. I don't want him to know what I'm buying and plus, how more secure is that?

But, as long as it's a secured site, it doesn't matter, right? Also, I know the people that run my bank really well, and I don't think they'd quibble about fraudulent charges. I only have a few hundred dollars in my account anyway. It wouldn't be good if it was stolen, but it wouldn't be the end of the world, either. I just don't want to use my parents' card, or get a credit card, either. The last thing I need is more bills to deal with. I only work part-time, too, so I don;t know if I could even get a credit card.

Answer 1

Dont go to phishy website, haha no pun intended. Always make sure you see a lock in the bottom of your browser. Not only that, buts its a good idea to use the sites who boast their security standards. Hope this helps, i order stuff online almost every day

Answer 2

there is always a risk, whether on line or at a gas station or a department store. as you point out, you don't know what the waiter is doing with your card while away from your table. I once bought something in a store in New York, the only credit card transaction in that town while on a trip, and within a few days there were 6 $300 ATM withdrawals, and several cash withdrawals from tellers before the card was canceled because the thief sent a check to my account that bounced. They even knew my pin which I did not know because I never used the card to withdraw cash.

On line, make sure that when you provide private information, the padlock at the lower right of your browser screen is locked. Most reputable businesses have secure accounts, but identity theft is rampant. Your best defense is carefully checking every transaction on your monthly statements.

Answer 3

Most sites don't take bank account numbers for ordering products, they use debit and credit cards for theri transactions. If they do accept bank account info, like Paypal, then you can absolutely use a savings account for the transaction. Remeber though, that all financial institutions are bound by regulation D which is a gov't regulation that limits the number of withdrawls a customer can make from a savings account for it to be considered a savings account, usually 4 a month. If you go over that number, they will usually charge you and even automatically change your account to a checking account from a savings account.

Answer 4

On a credit card, by law you can request that charges be taken off if they are fraudulent. That protection doesn't extend to debit cards.

Your dad is giving you good advice.

Answer 5

The difference is that, if a debit card is compromised, the thief can empty your account and you must then fight with the bank to try to get them to cover the loss. With a credit card, its the bank's money that will be lost with your liability limited to $50.