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Although Internet shopping is safer than ever, there are still a lot of potential threats, especially for the unprepared. Using a credit card is considered the most secure way to make Internet purchases because credit card companies can initiate chargebacks and help fight fraudulent activities. But, just using a credit card isn’t enough to ensure your safety.
If you want to know how to gamble with Visa safely, follow best practices for online gambling safety and Visa safety. Use two-factor authentication for your Visa account, set up daily and weekly limits on the casino, and only use legitimate iGaming sites that publish their security practices and protocols. Avoid following unknown links in emails and consider using a separate account or even a digital wallet to fund your gambling accounts.
Check Links Are Legitimate
Approximately 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily, equating to more than 1% of all email traffic. These schemes represent one of the most common ways for people to fall foul of scammers who set up spoof websites, direct unsuspecting visitors to the fake sites, and harvest credit card details.
Avoid following links to websites you don’t know. And, if you do click a link in an email, only trust emails from senders you’ve signed up for. Hover over the link and check if the URL matches that of the site you intend to visit. And remember that scammers can also mimic or hack other email addresses. If in doubt, don’t click it.
Only Shop On Websites With The https Protocol
Only shop on secure websites. As well as checking your browser for the padlock or other security symbol, check the full URL of the site. Sites with https at the beginning of the URL, rather than just http, have an additional layer of security between the server the site is located on and your browser.
Any communication, including card and personal details, is encrypted, which makes it more difficult for hackers to procure personal details. Do not shop on sites that don’t use the https protocol.
Use A Single Account
Lots of us have multiple bank accounts. We might have a web-based account, a savings account, and a household bill account. It can help manage money and makes budgeting easier. But, having and using multiple accounts means many points of entry for scammers. Dedicate one account for use online and only this account when shopping.
Check Your Password Is Secure
Your online banking account should be as secure as possible. Where additional security features like biometrics or two-factor authentication are offered, use them. They do add a little extra time and effort, but they greatly improve your security.
Similarly, when signing up for any online shopping or other online accounts, make sure you use secure passwords. Choosing a secure password means using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using words or strings of characters that mean something to you, and use different passwords for every site and account.
Only Provide Mandatory Details
Ideally, checkout as a guest. If you do sign up with a trusted website because you will be making multiple purchases from the same online store, only provide the details you are required to. Don’t add extra phone numbers or other details the site doesn’t demand.
If you lose access to one of your email addresses or phone numbers, hackers can use these to reset or recover passwords and then use your account, or to get details from your account.
Use Trusted Websites
Whether you register or not, and whether the site has an https address, do your research. Look at TrustPilot and Google reviews, and do general web searches. Look at other peoples’ experience using the site and ensure there haven’t been any data breaches.
Even some of the biggest and best-known websites in the world have suffered data breaches. You need to know that breaches aren’t a common occurrence and if any have occurred, that the company took swift and decisive action to remedy the problem.
Check Your Network Security
Try to avoid using public WiFi for online shopping. These networks are convenient and can be especially beneficial when you’re traveling or have limited access of your own. But they don’t have the same high level of security as your home network or even a mobile connection.
Wherever you connect from, check the network settings. If you do connect to a public network, use a VPN for an extra layer of security and to help prevent data theft.
Install Security Software
Make sure your devices, whether mobile or desktop, have proper security software installed. The best antivirus software not only protects against viruses picked up online but scans emails, lets you know of potential phishing attacks, and keeps your network secure.
Use a VPN to get extra security. A VPN encrypts and hides all data passed from your browser to the Internet, and you can get VPNs that install individually on your devices or those that install on routers and are used by all connected devices. Although you can get free VPNs on some devices, including Android phones, these are not as secure as commercial options.
Update Security Software
Security software is only as good as its last update. Scammers and thieves constantly update their methods and use a variety of different attacks. Security software companies have to fight back against this, and they do so by releasing new security updates and patches.
Whatever your chosen security software, make sure it is updated. There should be an option to automatically update the software. Set this so it runs while you’re away from the device, to prevent slow down, but do use it and periodically check that you are running the latest update.
Consider A Digital Wallet
Digital wallets like PayPal and Skrill can be used to deposit and withdraw money using your bank account or your Visa. You can add enough to cover your intended purchases and leave the rest of your money safe in your bank account. If scammers do manage to get details of your wallet, they can only typically get away with the money that is in there, and with these incorporating two factor authentication and other security protocols, it adds yet more layers of security.Cryptocurrencies also offer another alternative, and they aren’t just beneficial for use at online casinos. They offer near-instant payments, are highly secure, and a growing number of websites and companies accept crypto payments. However, some users find crypto too confusing to get into and while more companies than ever accept this form of payment, spending options are still somewhat limited.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
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