You can become a victim of credit card fraud even when you give your card to the waiter at a restaurant. It would be ideal to have your card swiped in front of your eyes. But that isn't always possible. So the chances of getting duped online are about the same as anywhere else.

Why Use Your Credit Card Online...

• You can make use of phenomenal offers on a whole lot of products like electronics, art, books, music, apparel and more. More often than not you can find a better deal online than in local stores.
  
  
• You can pay your mobile, landline, electricity and other bills online instead of standing in queues.
  
  
• You can book tickets for air, rail or even road travel.
  
  
• If your credit card company has a tie-up with restaurants you can avail of discounts.
  
  
• You can accumulate points every time you fill fuel from petrol pumps that are associated with your credit card company.
  
  
• Getting a loan is far easier when you have a good credit history.

Click here to find out the other benefits of your credit card.

Products That Protect

• Virtual Credit Cards

Certain credit card companies and banks provide you the option of a virtual credit card for online transactions. The virtual credit card number expires within a month or two or in some cases after a single transaction.

For instance, HDFC credit cards have a Netsafe feature, which allows you to transact safely online. All you have to do is generate a virtual card number at the HDFC bank site.