Thanks,
May things got cleared.
some more inputs further to suhasgji's suggestions above....
install a good internet security solution on the PC/Laptop you intend to do the on-line transactions from, that safeguards your private information from pilferage/hackers, like the McAfee Internet Security Suite, Norton 360 or Kaspersky Internet Security Suite (try and avoid any free tools whose credentials are not known, lots of these on the net, that actually leak private information or spy on your internet usage, etc.). try and use an eToken for storage of transaction credentials, usernames/passwords, digital signatures, etc. avoid transactions from PCs/Laptops that aren't yours/public/shared. avoid cyber-cafes for transactions.
ensure that your security solution is updated with the latest engines, definitions, etc. also, ensure that your OS, appl/browser, etc., are also running the latest patches/service packs.
check your monthly statement and immediately report anything abnormal. take an endorsement of receipt of the report from the bank/CC company. fraudulent transactions are eventually reversed, after investigation. however, you MAY need to pay up first and get the refund eventually. so suhasgji's suggestion on the amount to be left in the account or the credit card limit are good.
most banks and credit card companies already have a lot of preventive or proactive protection mechanisms in place to avoid fraud and safeguard the interests of their clients. i will not enumerate these here again as this was done in another thread. i'm 'advised' xpostings are avoidable.
transact to the extent possible only with on-line entities that carry the VeriSign or any similar trust and authenticity certificates. also, try and transact with a site that uses SSL for transactions, check the certificate (small lock on the bottom left corner of the browser) for larger transactions to avoid MIM threats.
when dealing with someone in india for pre-owned stuff, try and maintain a paper transaction reference with relevant endorsements from the transacting parties. eMail is admissible, in the instance you need to take it up legally, but difficult to actually use. for e.g., place a formal purchase order, with whatever are the terms of reference for the transaction, get a receipted copy for your record. try and maintain courier slips, PoDs, etc. try and pay only after the paper/s are in place. pl. note, the legal option is mostly impractical, owing to jurisdiction limits, costs, etc., involved, so being safe and meticulous in documentation goes a long way in safeguarding. shortcuts are risky. transacting through a bank is fairly safe, say vide a cheque, provided the basis of the transaction exists on hard-copy.
there are options to pay on delivery, viz., like an LC (letter of credit), etc. however, this MAY only be relevant when you are making large transactions. however, to buy a CD/LP online, this may not be practical.
