Should I Use A Debit Card For Online Purchases?

Linda Y: Are debit credit cards safer than regular credit cards? Should you be as safe with them giving out the numbers to stores and ordering over the Internet?

JW: Debit cards are certainly becoming more popular, and you have good reason to be concerned. After checking around, I discovered that while federal laws say you’re not liable for more than $50 if your credit card is used for unauthorized charges, the money for debit card purchases is transferred almost immediately from your bank account, no matter what the amount.

So, I want to pass along to you these tips from the Federal Trade Commission, aimed at protecting you when you shop online:

• Always buy from secure, trustworthy websites. One way to know that you’re dealing with a secure site is to check its URL in your web browser’s address bar (at the very top of the browser window); if it starts with “https” or “shttp” that means it’s a secure site.
• Check a site’s privacy policy to understand how your personal information might be used. A legitimate website will have a link to its privacy policy on its homepage.
• Keep a record of your online purchases.
• Always review your monthly credit card and bank statements closely for any errors or unauthorized activity. If you do suspect that someone is using your account without your permission, or if your cards have been stolen, notify the card issuer immediately.
• Even though these protections are in place on your accounts, the longer you wait the more complicated it could get to resolve your problem—and the more at risk your money becomes.