Are you planning to purchase anything from abroad or make an online transaction? If so, it’s important to keep your details secure and ensure that your information isn’t shared with anyone!
The online transaction seems like the easiest way. But in reality, there are several chances of getting cheated on account of the lack of proper knowledge about how to use it securely or what could be the risks involved with it if not used safely.
Here are some tips you should follow to keep your online transaction safe and secure even if you are using online money transfer services in countries such as Malta, Georgia, or any other country.
1) Pay With a Trusted Fintech Provider
You should always use a trusted fintech provider when it comes to online payments. In Malta, for instance, a few great options offer secure online payment solutions.
But the general recommendation should be – you should go for the leading fintech in Malta, which is worthy enough to offer you secure transactions.
To find the appropriate fintech for you, you can consider the following things to follow-
- Make sure their website is secure
- Check out their quality of customer service
- Try to know how much they are dedicated to providing after-sales service
- Check out their overall customer satisfaction rate
- Check out how convenient their money transaction process is
2) Stay Alert While Using Public Computers
When using a public computer, be alert and take precautions as it helps to prevent cyber attacks. Be sure the computer is running up-to-date security software. Don’t use it for online banking or other sensitive activities.
If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN). Don’t click on the link and open the attachment sent to you through email. Always keep your eyes on the URL of sites you visit.
Ensure the URL begins with https:// before entering your credit card or other personal information. When finished, log out completely and close all browser windows.
Moreover, after using a public computer, clear the cache from your internet browser, delete cookies from your internet browser, and then delete browsing history from your internet browser. Finally, make sure that any social media profiles are set to private.
3) Always Double Check Your Billing Details
No matter what you’re buying, whether it’s a new pair of shoes or a car, it’s always important to double-check your billing details.
This includes the total amount you’re being charged, the shipping and handling fees, and the company’s contact information. By double-checking these details, you can avoid being overcharged or scammed.
Don’t purchase from that company if anything looks suspicious, such as an odd address on your bank statement. If the website seems unfamiliar to you for any reason whatsoever, then don’t buy from them either.
After all, to avoid insecure translation, the best thing you can do is be smart about where you shop online.
4) Don’t Share Your Personal Details
When shopping online, you’ll be asked to provide your details like name, address, and contact information.
While sharing this information with the website or company you’re buying from is okay, don’t share it with anyone else. Also, be sure to check that the website is secure before entering any of your personal information.
To find out if a site is secure, look for a lock icon on the top-left corner of your browser. In most cases, it clearly indicates that the site is protected from unwanted access.
5) Use a Separate Card for Shopping
Regarding online shopping, besides using the improved payment process, it’s best to use a separate credit or debit card dedicated solely for that purpose!
If your card information is ever compromised, you won’t have to worry about losing access to your primary account. Plus, using a separate card can help you keep track of your spending more efficiently.
Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when shopping online-
- Use trusted and secured websites before providing your payment info
- Avoid public Wi-Fi when possible.
- Be conscious about using the debit/credit card app.
6) Monitor Your Account Activity Regularly
Checking your account activity regularly is one of the best ways to spot any suspicious activity. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.
You should also make a habit of reviewing your statement each month for accuracy and correctness. If you find an error on your account, contact your fintech institution as soon as possible to avoid issues with charges on fraudulent transactions.
7) Use Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a must when it comes to online transactions. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
This process enhances the security robustness and makes it harder for hackers to get your account. With this two-step verification, even if hackers know your username and password, they would still need the code from the app on their device or in their inbox to get into your account.
8) Use a Strong Password
Your account password is the front-line defense that helps to keep your account secure. So using a complex password is necessary to prevent hacking. Using at least eight characters in your password with a mix of upper and lower case letters enhances the security robustness.
Avoid using easily guessed words like your pet name or the city you live in. Change your passwords regularly, and don’t reuse them across different accounts. And also, avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts; if one account gets hacked, they can access all your information.
Even though the two-factor authentication process can save you in such cases, it’s a good practice to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Wrapping Up
It doesn’t matter what particular fintech service provider you use, the tips we have discussed are applicable in all cases. Moreover, following the tips will also let you learn the money management process.
One gentle reminder – don’t limit yourself by only sticking to the eight tips discussed above. Instead, considering different situations and the rules of your fintech service provider, you might have to apply some improvised tricks.
And then you will definitely experience the secured online transaction in return!
