Online Security Measures
Online shopping and internet banking are very useful and simple methods of obtaining goods and services, and managing your current account. However, there are basic security issues which you must bear in mind.
Using Your Debit Card Online
If you use your debit card to make purchases online, you expose your current account to a certain level of risk. This is because, unlike with credit cards, debit card transactions are not protected under the consumer credit act. This act protects credit card users if a problem arises with a retailer: you may be able to claim against your bank or building society if a retailer from which you have made a purchase is being uncooperative or has gone out of business. Debit cards do not provide this protection, and so if you use your debit card to make large purchases online and do not receive the goods, you cannot make a claim for your financial loss to your bank or building society, unless your details were used fraudulently, for example, if a retailer took a larger payment than you authorised.
Essentially, you should be wary of making large purchases online with your debit card. Consider limiting debit card use to well-known and reputable websites. Many online retailers store your debit card information, so that you can make purchases more quickly next time you visit. However, this means that your card details are only protected by your username and password for that particular store. You should change your password regularly and use different passwords for different websites; if a criminal discovers your online shopping password(s) they are able to make multiple purchases, quickly and easily, on your debit card.
Distance Selling Protection
When you buy goods and services online, you are protected by the UK's Distance Selling Regulations. These regulations attempt to protect you, the consumer, from poor and fraudulent service while shopping online. In summary, you are entitled to: a seven working day cooling-off period, within which you may cancel your order; clear information about the goods or services before you submit your order; confirmation of your order and your order information in writing; and protection from debit card fraud. If a retailer has fraudulently taken a payment from your card details, you are not usually liable for the loss.
