How you can prevent debit and credit card fraud

Craig made a comment that someone has stolen his credit card and sent $4,000 worth of items using a shipping forwarder. Here are some tips that can help you to prevent debit and credit card frauds:

• Enable SMS (text message) notifications for all your debit and credit card transactions


• Use a separate debit/credit card for online transactions. Use another one for major online transactions.


• Replace your debit / credit card once or twice a year.


• Always check the web-site before making any online transaction (google for "web-site name fraud" and "web-site name complaint" and check the results).


• Be especially careful when making online transactions using free Internet access, from a hotel,...At least make sure that the SSL protocol (https://) is used or you use a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN).


• Do not make any transactions from computers of other people and organisations (in a hotel, Internet cafe,...)


• Always have a phone number of your bank, so that you can notify your bank about fraudulent transactions and block your card. Find out whether you can use online banking or mobile banking for blocking your card if needed.


• Pay with Paypal, Skrill,... instead of using your debit or credit card.

I also recommend to be careful with software that you install onto your computer and web-site that you visit.
If you use Windows, I recommend to have a reliable firewall and an anti-virus. Personally I make online transactions in Linux or Mac OS only (I do not purchase anything from Windows, Android or iOS). Linux live CD can be a perfect solution for that.

What other methods to you use to prevent debit and credit card fraud?