How a consumer can protect their credit / personal identity online:

• Never use a debit card online. Unlike the standard $50 maximum consumer liability for fraudulent credit card changes, the debit card is directly linked to the consumers bank account, thus setting the limit to the amount of cash in his or her bank account.
  
  
• Use a credit card issued from a bank with online access which enables you to see your charges within a day or two, instead of waiting for your monthly statement, which can have changes that occurred up to 40 days earlier.
  
  
• Use a dedicated credit card, with a low credit limit, for internet purchases. If you can, rotate your credit card number every six months. In other words, call your bank and get a new card/account number.
  
  
• Never give your social security number or mother's maiden name over the internet. Even over the phone, only give out this information if the company ABSOLUTELY requires it.
  
  
• Only provide your credit card number on a secured web page. A secured page should have a little lock (that is locked) displayed in the lower right corner of your browser.
  
  
• Do not send your credit card / billing information to a merchant via email or instant messenger. If your payment information cannot be sent via a secured web page, then phone the merchant instead.
  
  
• Be wary when an online service asks you to verify your billing information and submit it via an online form. This is likely a front for a carder to steal your credit card and personal information. Even if you're sure the request is legitimate, just call the company on the phone.
  
  
• Use blocking software, like Zone Alarm, to thwart a hacker from getting into your computer while it is connected to the internet.
  
  
• Use virus scanning software, like Norton Anti-Virus, to stop executable files from being sent to your computer via email. These executables can plant themselves in your computer and may be programmed to release your files / personal information at some later time.
  
  
• Review a copy of your credit report every 3 months. If someone has stolen your identity (i.e your SS# and mother's maiden name) you have a much better chance of stopping someone from using your information to take out a loan and leave you with the bill.