There is a lot of media hype about whether credit cards can be used safely over the Internet.  The truth is, every time you use your credit card in a restaurant or in a super-market, you're exposing yourself to as much or greater risk than in buying something from an insecure website.  When you buy something in a mall or similar store, you're not only giving the store your credit card number and expiration date, but also a copy of your signature and often an imprint of your credit card itself.  But do you hear a lot of excitement in the media about the risks of buying things at malls?  No!

It is true that a clever hacker with special equipment and software might be able to intercept email messages or web-page interactions, grab a card number and expiration date, and buy things with your card.  This would take a LOT of work and some pretty special skills.  Most credit card companies offer extensive fraud protection - if you report a bogus charge on your credit card statement, the card company will usually remove it with minimal hassle.

Deciding whether or not to order something from a non-secure web site is a personal decision.   If the convenience of web-ordering is worth the statistically small risk of credit card fraud, go ahead and order from a non-secure site.  Otherwise, please contact via telephone, fax or email to place your order.  

How to shop online securely

Internet is one of the most convenient ways of shopping as it recognizes no queuing and no geographical boundaries. Anybody in anyplace could go shopping on the internet. This online shopping has been a trading medium with tremendous growth and worldwide popularity. 

This online shopping is supported with credit card usage that keeps getting widely accepted. Credit cardholder could make purchases at home at anytime with no queuing, no traffic jam and enormous time saving. 

  In order to avoid the unwanted incidents, here are some smart tips on how you should go shopping online securely:

• Find out what type of payment security is being used, whether it is SSL (Security Socket Layer) or SET (Secure Electronic Transaction). With these systems, any information sent out will be encrypted in order to evade fraud or misuse by unauthorized person. 

• Recheck your order delivery (delivery fee, tax, delivery time, etc). This information has to be clearly listed by the merchant and you have to know it prior to giving approval to the purchase.

• Supply different user ID and password for each merchant. 

• Print out all forms and receipts from all completed transactions. 

• Never reveal your credit card details to merchant that does not utilize a security system or via e-mail.