Is it safer to use a credit card or PayPal?
PayPal (a popular online payment processor) offers benefits, but its use does not guarantee that one will not become a victim of fraud. PayPal is so popular that thieves like to hack PayPal accounts almost as much as they like to steal credit card numbers from online accounts.
The real answer is “it depends” as PayPal has advantages and some disadvantages.
If you follow these 7 tips, it’s easier to stay safe:
1: Do not link PayPal to your bank account
It’s so convenient to pay with a debit card or PayPal bank account, especially if you don’t use a credit card, that it’s not considered safe. The money could be taken directly from your bank account if a thief hacks into your PayPal account.
You can waive fraudulent bank charges; the problem is that you must detect and report them quickly to obtain financial protection. But, if you link your PayPal account to a credit card and it’s used fraudulently, your maximum liability can never exceed $50. Therefore, it is worth paying attention and “knowing the rules”.
2: Treat PayPal like a bank account
It’s the same as any financial account when you want security. At least once a month, you should check your account activity so you can spot any fraudulent charges quickly. PayPal makes it easy to remember to log in and check out by notifying you when your monthly statement is ready.
They often start by stealing small amounts, like $10 every three days. They know that most people are too busy to check their accounts every day. If the charges are not soon refuted, they stick, then the criminal continues to steal ever-increasing amounts.
3: Use a strong PayPal password
Be sure to create a unique username and password for each financial account you set up online. If you use the same password on 3-4 accounts and a thief hacks into one of your accounts, it’s much easier for them to gain access to all of your accounts!
Each password must be at least 8 characters long and include upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers. A password manager like Roboform makes the job easier by remembering and remembering multiple passwords, available online.
4: Never access PayPal from a public computer
Accessing your account from a public computer or open Wi-Fi connection, typing sensitive information is a No-No. Malicious software could be lurking on a public computer that logs your keystrokes. Even working on your own laptop in a library or Internet cafe, a hacker can often track what you’re doing if you’re connected through an unsecured Internet connection.
To access your account, a thief just needs your password to access your PayPal account, then they reset your password and take over your account. Visit any financial account online through a [secure] Internet connection only to avoid possible problems.
5: Use a PayPal security key
Use a PayPal security key if you want more protection. For $29.95 anyone can purchase a credit card-sized physical key that displays random security codes that change every 30 seconds. It works when you enter the current key code to log in to your PayPal account.
Security codes can be sent by PayPal through a text message on your mobile phone. This option is free, except for a small charge for text messages. If you use this mobile option, just text PayPal to get a security code and they’ll send it back to you, quick and easy.
6: Update your computer security
Keeping your computer up to date with the latest and strongest security patches and antivirus software for your Internet browser and operating system makes your computer more secure. Remember this point: If there is a [secret] You run spyware on your computer and you use a site like PayPal, a cybercriminal can learn your password and username and have quick access to your account without you even knowing you have it.
7: Don’t Click Links in PayPal Emails
A cybercriminal frequently sends a “phishing” email that looks like an official PayPal message, but is actually a fake email. If you click on the link in the email, you will be taken to a fictitious website that will look like the real website, even with the PayPal logo (which they are using illegally) If you mistakenly send your confidential information to a thief site, they will You provided critical information to steal funds from your account.
If one of your financial accounts sends you an email, don’t risk being scammed. Better yet, type the financial website address into your browser, open the exact website and log in to your account to search and read any messages from the company – that’s much safer!
Using PayPal limits the number of merchants that will have access to your debit or credit card numbers, while still giving you the same card rewards. PayPal (allegedly) never provides your financial information to other merchants or sellers, and they claim they will protect you from fraud if reported within 60 days. I have been helped in this way several times.
Since PayPal is one of the most popular payment systems, it is a big target for cyber criminals. If you’re not quick enough to spot a false charge or don’t use a security key, you could get hurt.
Both a credit card and PayPal offer a similar level of fraud protection.if you follow the 7 tips offered here and create a strong wall of security for all your online account purchases.