The password trick: A crook running a rogue website takes a customer’s credit-card number and password to go shopping at major online retailers that might also have been visited by that person. Many people use the same password for all their online shopping, so the crook will go to sites that only need a password before they allow customers to buy goods. Armed with the person’s credit-card details, they can then go on a shopping spree.
Tip: Use different passwords on different sites. Also, just as you wouldn’t give your credit- or debit-card details to someone you don’t know, make sure you trust the online retailer, says CPP, a company specialising in credit-card protection. “Check out an unfamiliar site before you buy,” it says. “Do they have a secure site? Do they provide full address and contact details, not just a mobile phone number? Which trade organisations is the company a member of?” Secure sites typically display a padlock symbol on your screen when you are entering your details.
The multiple-debit trick: Asking visitors to the site to pay a “one-off” fee which turns into a regular amount charged to your credit card every month.
Tip: The sites notorious for doing this are US-based porn sites, so you’re clearly dabbling in dangerous waters and some people will have little sympathy for your predicament if this happens to you. If you are going to deal with a website that asks for such a fee, make sure there is a contact phone number that works and check for a full address on the site.
The e-mail sales trick: A site that has your card details e-mails you with an offer to “upgrade” the service you receive. It says this will cost you perhaps an extra $19,99 a month and that if you don’t reply within X days it will automatically start deducting the amount from your credit card. You do not get the message in time – it might be an old e-mail address or you’re on holiday – and you end up with a regular payment going out that you haven’t authorised.
Tip: Check your e-mails regularly if you subscribe to a site that has your card details. And go through your credit-card statement with a fine-tooth comb.
ENDS