Avoid a card xerox

One should prevent getting his card photocopied as it will lead to disclosing of information displayed on the card. This especially holds true in case of a credit card where the card verification value (CVV), which is required for online transactions, is printed on the reverse of the card. Through a photocopy one can get the CVV number and use your card for online transactions.

Safe online shopping

The best way to pay for goods over the Internet is with your credit card as the transaction security is safer than handing your card over to a random shop assistant or waiter. This is apt for situations if you encounter any problems with your Internet order like goods not delivered, incorrect amount taken because in that case it is the credit card company that is liable for all losses. This is not necessarily the case if you pay with things via debit card.

But at the same time it is also sensible to avoid giving your credit card number online unless you know and trust the company in question. Online use of credit card will give your credit card information at a website or send it in an e-mail that might fall to ‘phishing' - the act of sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used to identity theft.

Avoid sharing information over phone

Do not give any information to people looking for credit card information over phone. They may claim to be bank's representatives but their actual identity is unknown to you. Always remember that banks and other genuine businesses never ask to disclose your passwords, account numbers or updated information via email or over phone.

Losing your Credit Card or debit card

The worst thing about losing your cards is that you could find yourself marooned in the middle of nowhere without cash. So if your card is lost or stolen, notify your card provider immediately. Once you have informed them, you are no longer liable for any transactions that occur on your card. You should also keep a record of card information as well as customer service telephone numbers so that you easily contact the issuer in case of a problem. Even Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan's and former Indian Cricketer, Chetan Sharma's missing credit cards were used illegally by some unknown persons.