With the advent of the Internet, online credit card fraud has become a multi-billion dollar industry. While shopping online can be just as safe as shopping by mail or in a brick-and-mortar store, here are a few tips that can help ensure your credit card information remains safe and secure.

Shop Only with Trusted Retailers – Scary but true, these days anyone can set up a shop online and start taking online payments. If you are unfamiliar with a merchant, search online for reviews and feedback from other customers. You can also check for seals or icons from independent privacy organizations such as the BBBOnline or TRUSTe.

Is It a Secure Site? – Before placing an order with your credit card, make sure the web page is secure. Ways to tell if a page is secure is if it displays a lock icon somewhere in the window of the browser or “https” in the URL (the “s” indicates there is a secure connection).

Safeguard Confidential Information – Don’t give out your credit card number, social security number, or any other private information simply because someone asks for it. Read the privacy policies of any website before making a purchase to ensure they do not sell customer information to third parties.

Review your Statements – Routinely review your monthly credit card statements to ensure there are not any suspicious or unauthorized charges.

Use a Credit Card – One of the biggest advantages to making global payments with a credit card is the limited liability they typically entail. If a fraudulent purchase using your credit card is made, depending on your issuer, you may be able cancel the transaction, reverse the payment and issue a chargeback. Policies vary so check with your credit card company to determine what your options are.

Know Store Policies – Prior to making a purchase, make sure you know the site’s policies regarding exchanges, returns, warranties, and other pertinent information.

Print Receipts – Print confirmation emails and pages after placing an order so you have a record of your order in case it never comes, is damaged during delivery, etc.

Report Fraud Immediately – If you ever suspect your credit card has been used online fraudulently, immediately contact your issuer and have the card cancelled.

Popularity: 16% [?]