The Internet is the world’s bazaar, delivering virtually anything you want—you never need to leave home!  But the Web is full of crooks who are happy to take your money if you give them the chance.

Be suspicious of  “free trials.”  When you give your credit card or debit card number to cover shipping and handling you are probably enrolling yourself in an “automatic shipment program.”  Try to cancel—it’s almost impossible.  Even after you cancel, you may still get charges to your credit card.  One way to protect yourself is to use a virtual credit card number, which you generate for a dollar limit that you specify.  After you make your online purchase, the charge appears on your  credit card bill.  The company you’re buying from never has your credit card information. If it is tries to bill the card more than you’ve authorized, the charge is rejected.

Check your credit card issuer’s website for the free service.  You can also get a prepaid Visa or Mastercard, which limits your risk to the amount you put on the card. This card carries a fee. Another option is using Paypal.