The Internet has revolutionized commerce by allowing businesses to sell globally, but it also has created what so far appears to be the perfect cyber crime - borderless credit card fraud. The cases of online credit card frauds are on rise as about 93 percent of all consumer Internet purchases made with credit cards. In fact, a Gartner survey of 100 Web retailers found Internet credit-card fraud to be much more common than offline fraud, making it the "No. 1 problem" in e-commerce. The prevalence of techno-savvy criminals and lack of a global techno-legal protection in this regard is primary reason behind it.

It is an old adage that “Prevention is always better than cure.” Having relying upon it some preventive measures may be taken in to consideration while making any payment on internet through credit card. These measures are given as below:

• Always use secure browser software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information which has been sent over the Internet.

• When purchase information is to be submitted on the Internet, the “lock” icon on the browser's status bar should be examined carefully.

• Always check the privacy policy of the Web site before disclosing any personal financial information to it.

• It is also a wise step to check the statements of security provided on the site in respect of the personal information.

• Before placing a purchase order always examine the shipping and refund policies of a Web site on which such order is to be placed.

• It is prudent to keep personal information i.e. address, telephone number, e-mail address etc. private unless the purpose and usage of collecting the same is clearly communicated by the entity.

• The information relating to payment should be provided only to businesses which are known and trusted.

• Any file sent by stranger or hyperlinks provided by unfamiliar entities should not be downloaded or accessed because it may expose the system to a computer virus.

• One should not disclose his personal password to anyone online whether it is internet service provider or any other entity.

• Records of all online transactions should be carefully maintained.

• The monthly statement of credit card account should be reviewed thoroughly.

• Immediately inform the issuer of the card in case of theft or loss of card or any fraud committed in respect of card.