Credit cards come in handy and allow us the convenience of making payments when we're short on cash, as well as the added benefits of earning cashback or rewards for spending on your card.
Although, if we're not vigilant about where we use our credit card, we can land in a lot of trouble.
Here are ten such places where it's not recommended to use your credit card.
The most common credit card scams over the years have been executed through emails.
A malicious online technique called phishing involves emails that are designed to extract your credit card number for an unauthorised purchase. Although modern email accounts filter and transfer such emails to spam/junk folder, but every now and then one may slip through into your inbox, so be very careful and avoid opening emails from unknown senders.
Any website that doesn't have HTTPS in the beginning of the url, is not a secure connection.
HTTPS is a protocol for secure communication over a computer network which is widely used on the Internet. If the site does not include an "s" in this beginning part of the URL, opt out of the online purchase.
Beware of charity fundraisers that come to your doorstep or on the street and ask for donations while also offering the convenience of accepting donation through charging your credit card.
These could be scams to charge your credit card and get your credit card information. If you want to contribute to these causes, it is recommended to visit their website, check that it's secure and then make a donation from there.
Avoid giving your credit card information over phone calls. You do not know if the call is safe. Your call may be on loudspeaker and heard by others, or it may be getting recorded and can perhaps be used by others.
Anyone selling products or services online that does not have any good reviews, may very well be someone not delivering what they promise, it is recommended to check their listing and avoid buying from them, if nothing good shows up about them.
Avoid using your credit card to buy things you can't afford, only to put yourself in debt you can't pay off. Use your credit card wisely, only for convenience.
Don't let anyone take your card away for too long out of your sight, they might clone it with cloning devices or extract information. Such practices have been reported commonly in restaurants where waiters take your credit card away to charge and take too long to return. Be vigilant, keep an eye on the person in possession of your credit card, after you hand it over to them.
Public wifi aren't secure, Don't put your credit card or personal information when using public wifi like at a coffee shop or airport, they're not secure and your personal information may be easily compromised.
Any public computer or one that isn't yours, may not be reliable to put your credit card information on, as it may have softwares that record your activity, including everything you type.
If you see bulky plastic, exposed wires, or other things that look "off" about the device you're about to use, avoid charging your card. This may be a tampered device.