Last week, I was browsing on the internet, when a strange ad caught my attention. It was for a pair of sunglasses and since I was planning to buy one, I clicked on it. I was taken to an online shopping site which had everything you could ever imagine. What started with an ad for sunglasses, ended up with me buying three T-Shits and some socks. I needed none of these things, but this is the power of the combination of internet and a credit card.

Today, credit cards play a major role in our lives. We do not need cash to make purchases anymore this can all be done with a single swipe of the card. In case you are in need on money, they double up as cash cards as well. This means that they can be used to withdraw money from an ATM machine.

However, it is extremely important that you are responsible when you use plastic money. On one hand, it is easy to lose track of how much you are spending and on the other, it you must not, under any circumstances misplace the card. Here are a few tips that you must keep in mind while using a credit card:

1. As soon as you receive the card, you must make sure that, it has not been tampered with and that the envelope it was delivered in is properly sealed.

2. Next, you must sign the back with a ball point pen. This will help to confirm your signature and prevent fraud.

3. Note down the credit card number and the CCV number as well. Thus, in case you card is stolen you can report it immediately and have it blocked.

4. Do not share the card information with anyone. This includes the account, card and PIN number.

5. You should also avoid sharing your date of birth and your mother’s maiden name, as this information can be used to hack your online account.

6. While making transactions online, avoid using public networks, like at the airport or an internet cafe. This can be very unsafe and must be used only if absolutely necessary.

7. Under no circumstances will banks ask for your personal information. In case you receive a mail asking for the same, ignore it and send a copy to your bank so that they can look into the matter.

8. Register yourself for mobile banking. This way, you will receive updates from the bank in the form of SMS’s every time a transaction is made.

9. Maintain separate passwords for all your accounts so as to make it difficult for a third party to access your funds.

10. Lastly, you must keep your keep the number of your bank saved in your phone, so that you can inform them if something goes wrong.

These steps will help you make sure that safety comes first and both your online and offline transactions are made in a fool proof manner.