Since smartphones became popular, we have started to buy everything online – from toys to clothes and furniture, concert tickets, food, and books. We also book faraway holidays and theater tickets. We make online payments every day using different devices. How can you make sure that your transactions are secure?
A report by Interaktywnie.com shows that in 2018 Poles might spend online up to PLN 50 billion. The number of customers of online stores is constantly growing: as many as 54% of 26.5 million Internet users made online purchases last year. Several million Poles already use foreign platforms such as Amazon.com or AliExpress. Online shopping is convenient, cheaper and offers fast delivery. It also entails online payments. What should you look out for when you make online purchases? We have compiled several tips which can improve the security of your online card transactions.
Do you know what’s going on in your account?
When making online payments, you should be asked by your bank to enter a one-time SMS code before confirming the payment. The code will be sent to your registered phone number. Before confirming the transaction, it is essential to make sure that the content of the received text message corresponds to the executed transaction.
If you shop via mobile banking, you can additionally use the services of free Push notifications. This way you will be notified of the selected activities on your personal and/or credit card account. If you are a Citi Handlowy customer, you will find all the details here.
Suspicious transactions subject to banks’ monitoring
Banks follow all transactions executed via their systems. Thus, they can protect their users from unauthorized use of their payment cards. For example, Citi Handlowy protects the users of its payment cards by informing them of transactions identified by the bank as suspicious – right after they have been made.
What can I do if I changed my mind?
It is possible to cancel transactions on a credit card if the online shop has not delivered the services or goods. Some banks offer chargeback – all you need to do is contact your bank and ask them to request the charged amount be returned.
Free “3D Secure” service
This additional security measure can be used completely free of charge to improve the security of online card payments at online shops marked with the symbol “MasterCard SecureCode” or “Verified by VISA” by verifying the identity of the card user. When executing a transaction at such a shop, you may be asked to confirm it with a code texted to your phone number registered at your bank. If you are a holder of a Citi Handlowy payment card, you have access to the 3DSecure service free of charge.
What can you do yourself?
Key tip: Make purchases only from known and renowned shops. The online systems of such vendors are usually much better secured and their security measures are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. Also, it is worth following the rules of online shopping listed below:
- Make sure you have the latest versions of software and applications installed on your computer and phone
- Research reviews on the online shop
- Make sure that the website address in your browser starts with “https” instead of “http”
- Look for the padlock symbol, which signifies a secure connection preventing unauthorized persons from using your data
- Exercise caution when you click on links included in e-mails from the vendor
- Do not execute transactions via public Wi-Fi networks
More information on secure banking can be found on the bank’s website concerning security measures:
Citi Handlowy - Safety
Citi Handlowy - Safety
