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The best way to protect yourself on line is to use a service to make your purchases or receive your payments. Using the same protection you get when you use a credit card.

It's law that you are only liable for a maximum of $50 in any unauthorized use of a credit card. This can follow through on any internet transaction if payment is made through a credit card. Some credit cards even wave this amount giving you zero liability.

If you establish an account with a money handling service, such as Pay Pal, your transactions are protected as well. Whether your sending or receiving money, they guarantee the transaction up to $2,000 (I think that is the figure).

When purchasing or selling on E-Bay, this is the safest way to make sure you will get what your paying for, or that the funds you expect will actually be credited to your account.

When dealing directly with a bank, such as making loan payments, make sure the LOCK symbol shows up on your screen while connected to their website. Again most banks guarantee transactions done over the internet as well.

The one key to remember, follow up on your transactions, if fraud has taken place it is your responsibility to report it in a timely manner, that means days, not months down the road.

Most institutions only guarantee the transactions if they are Promptly Reported to them. Assuming everything is ok is sure to make an Ass out of You and Me.

Learn more about this author, Curtis Carper.
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