Bad Credit Home Loan - Apply Online and Keep Your Credit Score as High as Possible

If you have a poor or bad credit history with something in your past like a bankruptcy or a foreclosure, you know how difficult it can be when you try to get financing for a home mortgage purchase, refinance, home equity or second mortgage loan. Its important to be persistent in looking because there are home mortgage loans out there for people with bad credit.

There are many articles online that will tell you to be wary of subprime lenders, those lenders who specialize in doing hard to approve loans. There are many things to be careful of with subprime lenders, who can charge interest rates that are far too high and have unreasonable pre-payment penalties. However, if you shop around and talk to many different mortgage brokers, you should be able to find a lender that can get you approved and with an interest rate and terms that are fair.

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The best way to make sure you are getting the lowest interest rate and terms possible, if you are looking to get approved for a mortgage loan after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, is to apply with as many different lenders as you can. You will want to compare as many mortgage loan quotes as possible to make sure you are choosing the best one.

Bad Credit Home Loan - Apply Online and Keep Your Credit Score as High as Possible

When you have a low credit score and are applying with sub prime lenders, the main thing you need to be careful of is to make sure that your credit report is not pulled until you have pretty much decided which lender you are going to want to work with.

Every time your credit is pulled by a mortgage lender, your credit score will drop just a tiny bit. That is why you need to be careful. Sometimes even as little as a 5 point drop in your credit score can be the difference between getting approved or turned down for a mortgage loan. Most mortgage lenders, especially those that specialize in hard-to-approve home loans need a credit score of 585 - 600 or higher in order to do 100% financing with no money down on your home loan. The bottom line is, you will need that score to be as high as possible.

Most lending institutions will not want to pull your credit report initially, until they are sure you are serious about getting approved. It costs the lender money to pull your credit, so it is in their best interest to wait until they know you are serious before they pull your credit report. So, make sure when you apply for a mortgage loan, that your credit is not being pulled with your initial application. When applying for a mortgage loan online, here are some ways to know that your credit is most likely not being pulled.

1. Did they ask you to describe your credit? If they asked you to describe your credit, that is because they are probably not going to pull your credit initially.

2. Did they ask for your social security number? If they don't have your social security number, they can't pull your credit.

3. Search their website to see if they tell you whether or not they will pull your credit report initially. It may be listed under their frequently asked questions.

To view our list of recommended lenders who do purchase financing or refinancing for people with bad credit or less than perfect credit, visit this page: Bad Credit
Mortgage and Home Loan Lenders.

Bad Credit Home Loan - Apply Online and Keep Your Credit Score as High as Possible

Online Payday Loan Lenders Offer Instant Cash in 24 Hours Or Less

The Internet has become a lifeline for most of us, when searching for a gift, buying insurance, electronics, books or researching products. So, why not use the internet to research cash advance loans, if you need emergency cash. The best feature about the internet is that you can complete your transactions in the privacy of your home, with no interruptions.

If the past years, if you were looking for a payday cash advance loan, your best bet was to walk or drive to your neighborhood payday cash store, stand in line and fill out a paper application and wait to see how much cash you could get. Though, I wouldn't call the process painful, it can be inconvenient and time consuming.

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These days, there is no need to physically go to a payday cash store. You can find online payday cash advance lenders, to service all your cash needs. Infact, most online payday loan lenders can give you cash faster than a physical cash store. You can get up to 00 in 1 hour or the same day with minimal loan qualifications and no hassles.

Online Payday Loan Lenders Offer Instant Cash in 24 Hours Or Less

Before You Apply, Do Your Research

1. Find an online payday cash advance lender that can offer the loan amount that you need (0, 0, 0, 00 or 00) in the timeframe that you need it (1 hour or same day).

2. Do they offer special features such as no credit check, no teletrack and no faxing?

3. Research their repayment period. Do you have to pay the loan back in 7 days, 14 days, 21 days or 30 days?

Apply For A Loan

Once you find the online payday cash advance lender of your choice, go to their website to complete an online loan application form. Most online payday loan lenders have very short application forms, with some taking only about 30 seconds to complete. After you submit your application, a loan officer will review it immediately and contact you with any questions or let you know that your loan has been approved. The loan officer will wire the cash instantly to your checking account.

Almost 98% of payday loan customers are approved for loans, regardless of bad credit or no credit history so there is no need to worry about a low credit score.

Online Payday Loan Lenders Offer Instant Cash in 24 Hours Or Less

Free Online Dating Websites - No Credit Card Required

You want free online dating websites, no credit card required. This article will tell you what few people know. You will learn the type of dating site and service to avoid. You will find out the best type of service to get results.

Do not - I repeat, do not - waste a moment of your time with the personals section of online classified sites. Why, you ask? These sites are a hunting ground for clever and unscrupulous marketers, selling everything from adult webcams and dating membership sites, to pills and devices that enlarge your penis. You write a personals ad on one of these sites and dozens of people respond. All - almost all, sometimes all - of the responders are marketers trying to sell you something. They get you to join a website to see their dating profile or fill out a form to see them on webcam. Please, do not be fooled. Avoid this type of service like you would swine flu!

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Another type of site to avoid is the "supposedly" totally free dating site. These sites are usually replete with fake profiles of, yet again, clever marketers trying to sell you something.

Free Online Dating Websites - No Credit Card Required

Now, of course, not all classified and free dating sites are no good. I'm just generalizing. In my experience, though, almost all are full of marketers trying to get you to reach for your credit card.

What I suggest to my friends - and anyone who will listen - is to join a free community at a major dating service. Take your pick. Most people are put off by the big dating sites because they have a paid service. They think they have to use a credit card or Paypal or something to join and use the features. This is just untrue. The big dating sites have communities for free members and for paid members. You upgrade to a paying member to get the benefit of more features.

Now the benefit of using these dating sites is they do not - I repeat, do no - have marketers hounding you. These services have clever software and teams of people who prevent it from happening. This means if you receive 200 emails from different women, they are all "real women."

Free Online Dating Websites - No Credit Card Required

Pros and Cons of Online Schooling

Ten years ago, the term online schooling might not be very appealing; just like the iron horses in the early part of the 19th century or an airplane in the beginning of the 20th century. Internet was still underdeveloped in 1996 compared to what we have now. And the conventional today may not be acceptable by the general population in 1996.

But we don't live in 1996 anymore. We are now in the era where everything is possible and acceptable. Just like studying outside the school, in front of your computer at the very comforts of your home. This is called online schooling.

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Thinking of entering online schooling can arouse discomfort for some. This is quite understandable since it is not the usual way of learning just like those people who have tried airplane as a way to travel for the first time. However, with the reputation online schools are gaining, the way students learn is transforming in an "unconventional way".

If you are one of those students who are considering this relatively new form of learning, here are the things you should know- the pros and cons of online schooling:

Pros

Whether you live in the most remote town in the United States (provided you have an internet connection) or at the top of the tallest building in your city, you can always be on time to study your lessons. Online schooling eliminates the time you have to prepare to dress up for school. It also removes the time you have to spend sitting on the taxi or waiting for the green light. With online schooling, your home and your classroom are the same.

For people who need to attend important things around the home, online schooling works best. For instance: you have a baby to take care of or you have a several things that must be done around the house. If before you have to find ways to squeeze all the items in your "to-do-list" for one whole day, now online schooling will give you more time on other things as it eliminates the time you have to spend on preparation for school.

When you get online schooling, the classroom is all yours. You don't have to fight on your seat, you don't have to get along with a group, and you don't have to be nice or rude to others.

Cons

There are many online schools to choose from. The question is: would you be able to land on a job after you have spent all your time and money on your chosen online school? One advice is: do research on the competency of several online schools and consider the credit they can give once you step into the working world.

Can you learn on your own or should you require a board and a talking professor to absorb the lesson? There are some students who are better studying alone. There are some who are not. If you think you are capable of learning without the need of the actual classroom discussion, then you can consider online schooling.

Is your home fit for studying? Can you concentrate with all the destructions you can get in your home? Many homes are not fit to become a school. It may be because there are children around, or the neighborhood's dogs are always barking, or your home is simply not conducive to learning.

All these only say one thing: home schooling is not for everyone. Do more research and consideration before entering home schooling program. If you think you are fit and you can benefit more on home schooling, then it is all up to you.

Pros and Cons of Online Schooling

How to Get a $1500 Personal Loan With No Credit Check and No Faxing, Online

Getting cash for emergency situations can be frustrating and uneventful, if you don't know where to look. Traditional banks refuse to provide personal loans to consumers with less than perfect credit. In addition, the extensive paperwork required to get a personal loan can mean missing financial deadlines.

Various personal loan lenders have their own qualification criteria and maximum loan amounts offered to their customers. Some lenders provide between 0 to 0, while others offer more cash in the 00 to 00 range.

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How can I get a 00 loan today or tomorrow?

If you find yourself in an emergency situation and need to pay rent, auto loans, medical bills, child expenses, etc and need over 00, there are a number of lenders that provide personal loans with minimal qualification requirements. The key to finding these lenders is to do your homework. In order to borrow between 00 and 00, you will need to thoroughly complete your loan application, indicating your current monthly income and when you will be paid next.

In short, you will need to prove to your lender that you have a steady stream of income and can repay your loan amount, when you receive your next paycheck.

I have bad credit or a bankruptcy history, will I qualify?

The fact is most personal loan lenders do not conduct a credit check so you can get a loan, even if, you have less than perfect credit. Steady employment and the ability to repay the loan are key factors in your ability to get the cash you need.

What will my interest rate be on my loan?

Your loan interest rate will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to location, amount borrowed and repayment timeframe. Getting a personal loan and repaying it on time is a win-win situation and should be your goal when getting a personal loan.

How to Get a 00 Personal Loan With No Credit Check and No Faxing, Online

Online Pharmacy Risks With Credit Card Processing

Internet companies such as the common internet pharmacies have become beneficial investments. Online pharmaceuticals are solutions to Americans who cannot afford the expensive prices of nearby drug stores. Transactions online are cheaper as they come from an foreign business. These offshore companies take advantage of the individual's incapability to buy the more expensive charge in their own area. Foreign businesses are commonly based in Canada or India.

The high prices of medicines come from the strict policies of the US and UK authorities for pharmaceutical businesses. These increased prices are an opportunity for pharmaceuticals found in other countries. They can have more sales and still pay smaller production costs. These smaller production expenses set the inexpensive charges of web pharmaceuticals. Profits increase as more customers see the convenience of cheap medicines.

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Sadly, these online pharmacies can still pose monetary risks. Most online customers buy from the web without really knowing if the drug store is trusted or not. They end up spending their cash without receiving the medicines they actually need. You may also acquire drugs in the mail but you are not certain if they were properly manufactured. A good number of web pharmaceutical buys are purchased with a credit card. Such credit card charges count as high risk merchant accounts. Banks see these accounts as trouble since the purchaser's identity isn't readily verified. There's a greater chance for charge backs and fraudulent transactions. These dangers make it difficult for online pharmacies to have a proper credit card processor. Though using credit cards online is a popular application, the dangers it can cause make it a high risk transaction. Its state as a high risk business involves higher transaction fees.

Internet drug stores have a better time acquiring a credit card processing account if they establish themselves as a legitimate business. Faster approval happens if an API is found in the site's shopping cart. The API assures security to your customers as they give away their credit card information. This lessens the probability of chargeback. Companies that deal with their sales via the phone will have a more difficult time. More papers are required for telemarketing transactions. However, the right company plan and an organized set up will guarantee faster approval for a merchant account.

If you intend on purchasing from a web drug store, make sure that they deal with payments using credit card. Noting the difficulty of attaining a credit card processing account, credit card purchase is a guaranteed indicator of the business' legitimacy. You can also check out online pharmacy reviews and read if customers did not undergo any money problems. Don't buy from pharmacies that require you to send payment. Pharmaceuticals that get pay without any traceable record are just out to get your money. To take added caution, you can ask the company which bank handles their credit card processing. You may double check with the bank to really ensure your cash goes to the proper place. In such a way, you can have your cash returned instantly with the bank's cooperation.

Online Pharmacy Risks With Credit Card Processing

Where to Get Refinance Home Loans - Comparing Banks to Mortgage Brokers and Online Refinance Lenders

Home refinance loans are used by home owners everyday to secure a lower rate, get cash out or consolidate credit card debt. When securing home refinance loans most borrowers either go to their bank or through a local mortgage broker, or an online mortgage lender.

Your Local Bank Or Credit Union

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Your local bank used to be the only source for home refinance loans and most still offer some very good home loan programs. Your local bank or credit union is great if you have good credit and do not need to take out a high equity loan. In most cases they do not offer some of the more aggressive programs or offer any assistance to borrowers with bad or marginal credit. Recently some banks have moved away from 100% financing loans as well.

With the local bank you are pretty much limited to choosing from the loan programs they offer in house because almost all banks do not broker mortgage loans. Although if you get your refinance loan at your bank many times they can give you special incentives on other financial products they offer, mortgage brokers cannot do this

Online Mortgage Lenders

The recent trend for refinance home loans is to secure them online. many online lenders claim to offer better loans and rates then banks or mortgage brokers. The truth is that they normally have access to the same lenders and programs as mortgage brokers but they are often located out of state and if a problem arrives it can be hard to get someone to talk to. Additionally paperwork and any extra items they require will have to be mailed or faxed over, this just add's frustration and time to the refinance process.

Independent Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers are quickly becoming the primary source for mortgage loans and for good reason. Not only do mortgage brokers offer many more programs then local banks and credit unions they often times can offer lower rates as well. Mortgage brokers are also the first to offer any new loan programs that come onto the market and most mortgage companies cater to borrowers of all credit situations.

Mortgage brokers also have a huge advantage over local banks because they can move your loan around from lender to lender if interest rates improve, your loan gets denied or a better program becomes available at another lender. They can literally have hundreds of lenders to choose from. They also have the advantage over online lenders because they are local and you can talk to and see the person who is handling your loan with a simple trip to their office.

Where to Get Refinance Home Loans - Comparing Banks to Mortgage Brokers and Online Refinance Lenders

Accept Credit Card Online Merchant Account

Accepting credit card online is a simple task. Many reputed banks and financial institutions are now offering great deals on a merchant account. To see what most trusted banks and financial institutions are providing, all you have to do is browse through the internet and see the available services. Compare the processing rates, prices, terms, offers, etc to choose the deal that serves your business and client's interests the best.

If you are not familiar with the name or the history of the company, you could check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Once you are convinced with the company's ability to provide you a merchant account, negotiate the most suitable equipment, costs, services, etc that will benefit your business.

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Once you get approved for a merchant account, select the credit processing equipment that suits your business. In case the location of your business is permanent, you could opt for a combined terminal and printer. If your business processes many e-checks or debit cards transactions, consider adding this equipment. In case your business requires delivering goods to remote areas, you could add a wireless credit card processor.

Setting a website for your company expands the way you accept credit card online merchant account payments. A graphic designer will help you develop a site for your business in such a way that it makes customer coming back. Include product and service descriptions, price lists, industry tips, and other information that will make your site useful and interesting. People going through your website will be impressed with your web-site up and would like to stay back to shop and make credit card purchases online.

Customers prefer improved and sophisticated methods of shopping. An easy convenient way of payment would surely make ad vast difference to your sales and expand your client base.

Accept Credit Card Online Merchant Account

Credit Cards in Singapore - How to Apply Online?

Many banks provide a variety of credit cards in Singapore. The list of Singapore banks and the cards offered by them are listed below here.

DBS Bank, Singapore:

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DBS Platinum card DBS Visa Platinum card

Maybank, Singapore:

Maybank Horizon Platinum Maybank MasterCard Platinum

Citibank, Singapore:

Citibank Paragon Platinum MasterCard Citi MasterCard

How to apply?

If you are an savings account holder, getting a credit card is an easy job. If you do not hold a savings account, then getting a card is a very difficult job. Online application is an easy and best option to apply for the card. After the online application form is filled, the bank officer will contact you automatically. In the registration process, you need to enter necessary information in the site. Once you register in the respective website, cards will reach your doorstep.

There are certain eligibility criteria required to apply for a credit card. Some of them are listed below here.

Eligibility Criteria:

The applicant should be at least 21 years old. The applicant should earn a minimum amount of S,000 p.a.

Details to be entered in the application form are listed below here.

List of details:

Personal information Employment information 

Personal information includes:

Full name Name to appear on the Credit Card Nationality Date of Birth Marital Status Gender Ethnic group ID Type Passport Number Highest Academic Qualification

Employment information includes:

Employment Status Industry Type Current Position Company Name Company Address Length of Current Employment.

If you have worked previously, then the details regarding the previous company should also be entered. These details are required to fill in the online form of Maybank.

Charges:

The annual fee is around S$ 30. Charge for card replacement is around S$ 30. There are minimum monthly repayment charges and late charges.

Credit Cards in Singapore - How to Apply Online?

Online Bad Credit Small Business Loans: Business Loans 24 Hours

Need finance to start or extend your business? But if bad credit affects you from doing so, then avail bad credit small business loans. Bad credit small business loans are loans approved to all bad credit borrowers that help such borrowers to give a kick start to their business.

Online bad credit small business loans are short term business loans that look for all business needs and requirements like for buying of raw materials, machinery; paying of wages etc. These loans are helpful for all bad credit borrowers for starting of new business or for extending, reorganizing of the previous business.

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Online bad credit business loans are secured as well unsecured in nature. Secured online bad credit business loans require borrowers to keep his assets as security to guard the loan amount. Borrowers can keep any of his assets like house, jewellery, vehicle etc as collateral against the loan amount.
Unsecured online bad credit business loans do not require borrower to plea any security as assets. The most acceptable collateral for bad credit business loans is property but according to lender policy other things are also accepted

The main advantage of online bad credit small business loans is that it gives a chance to improve upon the credits score for all bad credit borrowers. Borrowers can avail bad credit small business loans and by following the terms and conditions can work on to improve his credit scores and thus credit history.

Since bad credit small business loans are available online, all bad credit borrowers can easily avail benefits of online bad credit small business loans. Borrowers just need to research properly before finalizing on the particular deal by a lender. Online is one of the best medium to avail online bad credit small business loans.

Bid good bye to all your harassments which you used to face because of your bad credit scores. With online bad credit small business loans all your business needs can be looked after more easily and effectively.

Online Bad Credit Small Business Loans: Business Loans 24 Hours

Online Credit Card Processing - What Are The Steps Involved In Accepting Payments?

Most of us use credit cards - on e-commerce websites as well as physical stores. However, not many people understand the working of a credit card and the elements involved in moving funds from their account to the merchant's. In this article, we explain that process (for online transactions specifically).

Types of transactions

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Credit card processing includes a set of transactions. These are explained below:

Preauth transactions: In a preauth, the validity of the credit card is verified. The charge for preauth is typically around . Postauth transactions: In these transactions customers place an order and the product is shipped at a later date. At the time of order, a card hold is applied on the customer's card. The merchant applies a postauth to transfer the funds after the order has been shipped, also releasing the card hold. Credit transaction: This is the transfer of funds from the merchant's account to the customer's. Sales transaction: In a sale transaction, the customer makes a purchase and uses the card to transfer funds from their account to the merchant's. Chargeback transaction: Chargebacks are cases where the customer disclaims a charge to her card. In such a dispute, the bank withdraws the amount from the merchant's account and deposits it in the customer's account till the issue is resolved. The merchant is given some days to prove their case. If they can satisfy the bank with evidence, the amount is transferred back to the merchant. Each chargeback costs the merchant as banks levy a charge for the time and effort involved.

Prerequisites for accepting online credit card payments

You need to have the infrastructure to accept credit card payments on your business website. The requirements are:

a Card Not Present merchant account an account with a gateway such as AuthorizeNet, CyberSource, WorldPay, etc. a Vital Tear Sheet to submit to the gateway (provided by the bank) a relationship with credit card types such as American Express; to be informed to the gateway a SSL enabled server

Steps in online processing of credit card transactions

We focus on the processing of a sales transaction. This is how it works:

The customer places an order by filling a form that collects the card details. On submitting the form, the details are sent to the server. The server processes the information received and directs it to the appropriate software installed on it for card verification. The software verifies the details provided by the customer. If it is valid, it sends the information to the gateway for further checks. The gateway validates the card and the availability of funds. Based on the result, it sends an "approved" or "declined" message back to the software. The gateway charges the merchant a fee for this service which can be a fixed monthly rate or a per transaction rate. Gateways route the transactions to designated clearinghouses (selected by the bank for a credit card type) in batches. The clearinghouse receives transactions from multiple gateways, batches them for various banks and transfers funds accordingly. Again, this service comes at a fee that ranges between 2%-5% of the cumulative sale. The clearinghouse transfers funds from the customer's bank to the merchant's bank. On receiving the transaction, the merchant's bank transfers the amount from the customer's account to the merchant account. Again, the bank or card issuing company will charge a set of fees for various services - setting up the merchant account, discount rate, chargeback fee, etc.

As you can see, credit card processing isn't so baffling after all. However, because of the various roundabouts involved in the process, businesses prefer to pay a credit processing company to manage the services instead of taking on the task themselves. With the fall in processor rates, this also makes sense financially.

Online Credit Card Processing - What Are The Steps Involved In Accepting Payments?

Where And How To Obtain Bad Credit Loans Online

Should you find yourself being burdened with debts that never seem to end and you want to obtain a loan while having bad credit, then one good option that is helping many people in this financial situation is bad credit loans online. There are so many people whose lives are being totally ruined from having a history where they are unable to keep up any payments to their creditors. And when they are in need of money they find that borrowing from a lender is quite difficult. However, this does not mean that it can not be done, as there are many online lenders who are willing to provide a loan for those who are suffering from this financial problem.

When you searching for a way to borrow any money one thing you can choose to do is find some of the many online lenders that are available over the internet. The first thing to consider when looking for one of these lenders, is to put together all of your monthly expenses, as a lender just may want to know where and how you are spending your money.

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Visit some of the many online lenders and inquire about any types of loans that are available for people like yourself. In some cases loans will require a form of collateral for you to ever be approved. The collateral can come in the form of your automobile, your home, or any other thing that may have some good value. And this can be used as the collateral until you have completely paid off the money you borrow.

Next you shall want to research all of your options, as you will find many of these lenders advertise their services for those with a history of poor credit. In most cases all of the interactions you have with these lenders will be conducted right over the internet where they have many websites.

One other matter in regard to this kind of loan is that in some situations, these loans come with a higher interest rate than others, but if you do your research you just may find that there are some online lenders who are offering these types of loan at a lower interest rates, which may be due to the competition among the other lenders.

There are certain requirements and just like with any other financial institution or banks, you will need to meet them in order to qualify for the loan. Some of these requirements will be that you need to prove you are at the age of eighteen, you will need to prove that you are a citizen of the country where you are applying for the loan.

Other requirements will be that you will need to show proof that you have a steady job and your earnings are enough to satisfy the lenders and one other requirement will be that you need to have an active checking account with a local bank.

If you meet these requirements, then you should have very little difficulties obtaining a bad credit loans online from one of the many lenders available for those who can not borrow money any other way. You will be able to improve your credit history by paying off the money borrowed on time.

Where And How To Obtain Bad Credit Loans Online

Using Credit Cards Online

These days you can get almost anything you can imagine without leaving the comfort of your home just by logging on and shopping online. However, with so many new stores popping up all the time and warnings of fraudulent emails how do you make sure your card details don't end in the wrong hands? Read our suggestions for keeping your credit card details safe.

The Australian Payments Clearing Association has warned of a rising volume of credit card fraud. The amount involved in card fraud reached 3 million in the previous financial year soaring by nearly half from the 7 million reported in the 2006-2007 financial year.

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A large part of that huge rise involved card-not-present (CNP) transactions. CNP refers to transactions completed without the physical credit card being actually presented for swiping -- and that means those transactions conducted through the phone, the mail, or online shopping.

Fraudsters have found it easy to obtain details on Australian credit cards. The hackers who manage to steal these records often try to sell them on to scam related websites or organised cyber crime groups. You may not know it but your name, home address, email address, phone number, and credit card number (complete with the verification code) could be among a batch of records being peddled to the highest bidder on a website.

Card issuers and banks hasten to assure you that they have credit card security systems in place to ensure that if you fall victim to credit card fraud you will not be made to pay for the fraudulent transactions. Still, it can cause inconvenience. Being careful with card security procedures when using your card for online shopping is still the better way to avoid credit card fraud.

Here are some credit card security steps you can follow:

Making online shopping transactions;

- Make sure the website is a secure site before providing credit card information. The website address should start with "https://" and carry a padlock symbol in the bottom right corner of your computer screen.

- Click your mouse on the padlock to confirm the seller's identity and registered address.

- Read the page that details the seller's policies on privacy, security, product returns, and warranties. Look at how the site handles complaints and check for details such as a phone number and importantly a physical contact address.

- Never provide more information than is required to complete the transaction. Sometimes, personal information not really necessary is requested.

- Never follow a link given to you in an unsolicited email. It is best to check the site manually by typing the URL yourself.

- Enroll in secure payment systems -- Verified by Visa, for Visa credit cards, and MasterCard SecureCode, for MasterCard. These systems make online shopping safer by allowing you to create a private password to be used every time you pay online to a participating Internet retailer.

- Keep your Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode closely guarded, as well as all passwords to e-commerce websites you frequent. Don't use the same password for everything, lower your exposure to risk by using a range of passwords for different sites.

Ensuring security in general;

- Never provide sensitive information (financial, personal, credit card details) by email or telephone. There are no security provisions in email and telephones.

- Avoid sharing crucial personal information on websites (including social networking sites).

- Shred documents that contain sensitive information (e.g. bank or credit card statements, receipts, etc.) before tossing them into the rubbish.

- Keep receipts of all credit card transactions and reconcile them with your statements.

Using Credit Cards Online