How can I buy on-line or over the phone with a credit card and still be protected from identity theft?
Detective Voight: Only shop from sources and companies you trust. The web is a phenomenal tool for shopping, however use common sense. Only shop on sites you go to. Pay attention to links inside an email. If you click on it, look at the address bar, where did the link actually take you? Most retail sites offer contact phone numbers. call them and ask about the security of the website. Remember, most “scammers” talk you into giving them the information. Robert Schroeder: There is a risk of identity theft no matter how you shop, even if you go to retail stores. See www.ftc.gov/idtheft for information on protecting yourself. Geoff Darling: Stored value – or prepaid debit cards – offer protection against credit card fraud, because you determine the dollar amount loaded on the card. Learn more at www.ny.frb.org/regional/stored_value_cards.html or usa.visa.com/personal/cards/prepaid/reloadable_prepaid_card.html Regardless of what payment method you use, you should only divulge personal infor
