Providing Credit Card Information over the Internet

Is it safe to provide your Credit Card information over the Internet?  Generally, yes - at least as safe as using your Credit Card at the store or over the telephone.

E-commerce sites (those web sites that sell products or services- the ‘e’ stands for electronic ) are usually quite secure, but there are some things you should watch for.

Most retail sites have what's called a secure page, or secure server. You'll know when a web site is secure because you'll either get a warning window on your browser, or you'll see a closed lock icon at the bottom of your browser window.

A secure site means that all the information sent from your computer to the  company's server will be encrypted (scrambled).

Make sure that the web site is secure when you enter your credit card information. Sending credit card information by regular e-mail is NOT recommended. 

Reports of credit card theft from the use of e-commerce sites on the Internet are rare.  Use good judgment, and check your credit card statements as carefully as you should for any purchases.