Online banking fraud is on the rise and there are a number of ways you can protect your credit card and bank accounts if you transact over the internet:
1. Keep your computer secure and the access to it;
2. Don't send credit card or account details by e-mail;
3. Reject any email that asks you to follow a link to website and input account details for verification - even if the website looks authentic, its probably a fake replica
4. Make sure you log out of your online account when finished - especially at work, libraries and net cafes
5. Deal only with established and reputable merchants;
6. Only make payments to secure websites - look for the padlock symbol in the bottom-right of your browser and click for details
7. If using a new site, do business first in a small way;
8. Check your accounts and report discrepancies immediately;
9. Ignore the "remember my password option" on banking and shopping sites
10. Change your password regularly;
11. Cancel any card that has been used fraudulently;
12. Read a company's privacy policy before buying online
