First of all, understand that there secure ways to use credit cards on the Internet, and there are insecure ways (what do you know, just like in the real world!). First of all, understand that there secure ways to use credit cards on the Internet, and there are insecure ways (what do you know, just like in the real world!).

When shopping on the Net, never submit your credit card number in a fill-out form field unless you are using one of the following options:

• an encrypting server/browser combination, often called a Secure Server.
• one of the credit card 'proxy' systems described below.

Secure Servers

How can you tell if you are using a Secure Server? In Netscape Navigator (the most popular browser, in terms of number of people using it), a broken gray key in the lower left hand corner of the frame is typically present during most sessions. When you are on a Secure Server site, this key changes to a blue, unbroken key. Also, a blue border appears on the top edge of the frame.

In Microsoft Internet Explorer, the signal that you are on a Secure Server is a padlock located in the lower right hand corner. In either case, the site your are on, represented by the URL in the address box at the top of the screen, should start with https:// instead of http:// . The 's' is, of course, for a Secured Server.

Credit Card Proxies

Credit Card Proxies are systems which have been established to give you greater control over your data integrity. They offer you a single point of contact for giving out your credit card, instead of having to give it out to every website you visit and from which you make purchases. They are all slightly different, very effective, and highly recommended for anyone concerned about this issue.