How To Protect Yourself From Online Fraud

With ID theft and credit card fraud ripe at the moment I thought I’d post a few tips on how to protect yourself from abuse.

Use a separate credit card, not bankers card, with a small credit limit and good protection (insurance) against online fraud. I recommend CapitalOne cards for this. The reason why using Switch, Solo or Maestro cards is not recommended is that they are taking funds directly from your bank account and offer no protection whatsoever.

Use a paper shredder before putting your letters and printouts in the bin. My details were stolen by some kids going through rubbish. Even though they didn’t know my full Switch card details and gave a false address, they managed to use it to buy over £200 worth of stuff from a well known online retailer! It’s amazing how easy it is to fake somebody’s ID online and get away with it.

Be very careful of who you give your details to. There are tons of spoof emails and websites trying to get you to disclose your details. Before filling in any forms online, make sure you know who you are dealing with.

Use a firewall to protect yourself against intruders. Although Microsoft now includes a software firewall with their Windows XP product, it does not do a good job in keeping your computer save. Get a proper Internet router with build-in firewall if you are on broadband or use a software one from Symantec instead.

Use a good anti-virus and spyware scanner to protect yourself from people trying to bypass firewalls. I recommend Symantec’s Norton Anti Virus because in my experience it does the best job in active prevention. Also use Spybot and Spyware Blaster or Microsoft’s new Anti Spyware Beta.

Never ever email or send your credit card or bank details via Instant Messenger unless you are on an encrypted connection and know the person on the other end is who they say they are.

When using a wireless keyboard, make sure you use the encryption feature that comes with most more recent models. People can find out really easily what your are typing in and steal your details by scanning the wireless frequencies.

When using wireless Internet, make sure you use encryption (WEP for example) and only allow trusted computers to connect to your access point. iTunes wireless transponders and other similar products are vulnerable to hijacking and hacking unless secured properly! Check the manufacturers manuals and websites for full details.