Online safety tips

1. Purchase from reputable sites.

2. Check the lower left corner of your browser window for a key icon or padlock whenever you're on a screen that sends personal information or credit card numbers. If the key is intact or the padlock is closed, security technology will scramble your credit card number and personal information as its being transmitted to the merchant.

3. Print the screen that confirms your transaction and keep it as a receipt. If you don't have a printer, save the confirmation in your computer.

4. Read carefully privacy and security statements before you buy.

5. Never provide your credit card number via email.

6. If you suspect your card number has been mishandled, report it to your credit card issuer right away.

Other safety tips.

1. Make a photocopy of all your credit card numbers, their expiry dates and the phone number you call for each in case it's stolen. Keep this list in a safe place. Don't keep it in your wallet. Consider card registration plans provided by card issuers who will quickly contact each one for you should your wallet get stolen.

2. Destroy expired credit cards immediately.

3. Sign your name on new and replacement cards the moment you receive them and be sure to activate your new credit card according to the instructions provided. Keep receipts with you until after the transactions have appeared on your Visa statement.

4. Put old statements and receipts that may have your account number on them in a shredder before throwing them out.

5. Never give your account number to a stranger calling you over the phone. Beware of anyone who says you've won a valuable prize and you need to give them your credit card number to claim it.

6. Safeguard your personal information, including your social security number, your personal identification number (PIN), mother's maiden name, your date of birth, address and telephone number. Merchants should never ask for your address or telephone number, unless they will be shipping goods to your home.

7. Do not use your credit card for personal identification. Use your driver's license.

8. Do not write your card number on any document that is not associated with your account.

9. Check your monthly statement carefully and report billing errors to your credit card issuer as soon as possible and always within 30 days of the statement date.

10. Report stolen or lost credit cards as soon as you discover they are missing.