For the safety of customers and risk aversion, banks usually oversee the Card transactions at Point of Sale (POS), to watch out for any unusual activity. In such circumstances, you may be contacted by your bank for authentication and confirmation of transactions. You are required to confirm your transactions but not disclose your PIN, Password etc. Such vigilance at both ends will improve e-banking security.

Customers should make themselves familiar with possible internet frauds so they can protect themselves from hackers etc.

Keep softwares updated (operating systems and browsers) because fraudsters and hackers can find loopholes in them (windows and browsers). Both institutions and customers should ensure that operating and browser softwares are kept up-to-date using legitimate upgrades and patches issued by registered software merchants.

Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Firewalls can monitor both incoming and outgoing internet traffic and anti-virus will protect your computer against Trojan and worm attacks.

Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. Beware that safety options are not always activated by default when you install softwares on your computer.

Two of the most popular browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Check that you are using a recent version - you can usually download the latest version from these browsers' websites.

Only shop at secure websites; ensure the security icon, the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol, is appearing in the bottom right of your browser window before sending your Card details.

The beginning of the retailer's internet address will change from 'http' to 'https' when a purchase is made using a secure connection.

Use sites you can trust; for example ones you know, or have been recommended to use, or carry the Trust logo.

Click on the security icon to ensure the retailer has a valid encryption certificate - the address on this certificate should conform to the one on the address bar. The certificate should ensure the identity of the website and the current day's date should be one of its validated dates.

Keep your personal information safe; always be wary of e-mails asking you to click on a link or confirm your details. Reputable retailers, banks etc., would never ask you to disclose or confirm sensitive or personal information, including your PIN. If in doubt, phone the organization first.

Avoid signing up for junk mail – this may result in pre-filled application forms being sent to an address long after you’ve moved out.

Print out your order and keep copies of the retailer's Terms and Conditions, returns policy, delivery conditions, postal address (not a post office box) and phone number (not a mobile number). There may be additional charges such as local taxes and postage, particularly if you are purchasing from abroad. When buying from overseas remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise, but having all the aforementioned information will help your card issuer take up your case if you subsequently have any difficulties.

Ensure you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.

In case you pay your utility bills using the virtual banking facility, ensure that your user name, customer ID, amount billed are exactly the same as in the bill sent to you by your company. The transaction receipt may be saved on the hard disk and may be printed as well. It can be referred to in case of a mismatch with the internet transaction history or the already paid bill may reappear in the next billing cycle.

If you have any doubts about giving your card details, find another method of payment.

If you regularly make transactions over the internet consider opening a separate credit card account specifically for these transactions.

Keep your passwords secret. Some online stores may require you to register with them via user name and password before buying. Online passwords, including, the one verified by your issuer, should be kept secret from outside parties the same way you protect your Card PIN. Keep the login information safe and secret.

Never send payment information via email. Information that travels over the internet (such as email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. The most reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data from being accessed by others as you conduct an online transaction.

Never click on Hyperlinks within emails. If you are sure that the company is genuine then directly type in the URL in the internet browser address bar, or call the company on a contact number previously verified or known to be genuine.

Don’t let websites or merchants store your card information. The exchange of encrypted transactions will be better than to allow the storage of identity information on databases.

Ensure a statement is regularly received from your bank. In case you do not receive a statement, contact your bank for a copy.

It is recommended that mini-statements be regularly produced for reconciling transactions.

Regularly match your transactions with your statements (Bank Statement or Mini-Statement).

Fraudulent emails may bear the authentic trademarks, logos, graphics and URLs of the ripped-off company.

The HTML tags behind the link will reveal that the underlying URL usually does not link to a page within the authentic domain.

The email requests confidential or personal information (such as PIN, four digit numbers, account number etc).

It may request immediate action to keep accounts or cards activated so as to use it for some fraudulent purposes.

The linked website may not provide secure and authentic communication (i.e. it will not show the closed padlock at the bottom of the web browser).

Shield your card properly and follow basic principles of card storage. Cards are sensitive to mechanical, electromagnetic, sun exposure and can be pictured using cameras if left in plain view.

Avoid submitting personal details for lucky draws even if these are from reputed organizations. Normally, the organizations do not accept responsibility in case of theft of personal information, which may cause loss to the Cardholder.

Your bank would only ask for specific characters within your password, not the whole password. Ask them for their phone number, check it and call them back. Also, be wary of responding to emails requesting information. If in doubt, ask for proof of identity or undertake your own checks. Never disclose your PIN to anyone.

Sign on the back of your new card as soon as you get it.

Carry fewer cards. It will reduce the risk of stealing.

In case of multiple cards, make a list of all your cards and their numbers and keep it in a safe and secure place.

With credit and debit cards easily at hand, try not to keep large amounts of cash at home. Your financial institution is a lot safer.

Cancel any unwanted or expired cards by contacting the card issuer and cutting up the unwanted or expired card in at least two pieces.

If you move house, make sure you contact your bank and all other organizations to give them your change of address.

Generally, Cardholders are not liable for losses resulting from circumstances beyond their control. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to:

a. Technical problems, card issuer errors and other system malfunctions.

b. Unauthorized use of a card and PIN where the issuer is responsible for preventing such use, for example after the card has been reported lost or stolen, the card is cancelled or expired or the Cardholder has reported that the PIN may be known to someone other than him/her.

Make a note of your card issuers’ emergency contact numbers and keep the information somewhere other than your purse or wallet.

Be careful at airports and other terminals during checking times. Ensure the safety of your cards and other important documents.

Do not give your card number over the phone to cold callers. Only make telephone transactions when you have made the call and are familiar with the company. Be particularly cautious if you are cold-called by someone claiming to be from a bank or any authorized agency etc.

Have the card in front of you. You may be asked for information including the card number, expiry date, the four-digit card security code on the signature strip (not your PIN code), issue number where applicable, and your name as it appears on your card.

If you feel pressured by a telemarketing salesperson, be suspicious. Never give out your account number unless you have decided to make a purchase.

Do not volunteer any personal information when you use your credit/debit card, other than your ID document, which may be requested.

If the retailer sends you written confirmation of the order, check the bill to ensure that it is correct. Keep any such receipts and check them off against your next statement.

If you find any transactions on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your bank immediately. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer, confirming that you did not undertake the transaction.

If you discover your card has been lost or stolen or that you have been the victim of a fraud, you should inform your bank immediately. But if the Cardholder has shown signs of acting fraudulently or without reasonable care - for example, by keeping his/her PIN written down with his/her card - they will have to meet all the losses.

Your credit card statement includes charges for items you have not purchased or ordered.

A debt collection agency contacts you about goods you have not ordered or an account you have never opened.

You receive a telephone call or letter saying you have been approved or denied credit for accounts you know nothing about.

Banks should strive to provide error-free services to protect the increasing volume of transactions conducted every day. However, errors do occasionally occur, which must be properly addressed. To mitigate risk and restore the confidence of customers, each bank has to keep procedures in place to resolve inquiries and complaints on time.

In case of any problems, do your homework first. Judge the nature of the problem, so you can refer it to the concerned department; you may well get your dispute resolved over the phone.