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Safe Shopping
Lost or Stolen
Is it safe to shop on the Internet?
Using your HSBC online card on the Internet is as safe as any other way of shopping. In addition, our Safe Shopping Promise ensures you are covered if your card is used fraudulently by someone else on the Internet.
However, we are also pleased to provide some Internet shopping tips which are in line with the precautions recommended by the Office of Fair Trading.
Is it safe to give my HSBC online card number when I'm ordering goods on the Internet?
Before you give someone your card details, please check the security settings in your browser are switched on. If you are not sure how to do that, try checking your browser's help function for further assistance. You can use these to find out when there is a secure connection. A connection is secure when the open padlock at the bottom of your screen changes to a locked one.
Some people are worried about others using Internet messages to obtain card numbers. We are constantly improving our technology to protect you against any new risks. If you follow these safe shopping guidelines you will find Internet shopping is just as safe as using the telephone or mail order.
If someone steals my HSBC online card number while I am buying something on the Internet, will I be liable for any fraudulent use?
No. We cover 100% of any money spent on your card due to fraud on the Internet, providing you did not knowingly give your details to someone else.
What if a shop or a merchant fraudulently uses my card number?
If you follow this advice on safe Internet shopping, this should not be a problem. However, our Safe Shopping Promise means you will not be liable for anything.
How can I be sure the company I want to do business with is genuine?
In most instances Internet businesses are genuine. However, it is possible someone could set up a false business website to obtain credit card numbers. You can protect yourself by keeping a record of the address and phone number of that business, which you can use to check if it is genuine.
Please also be sure you only give your details to sites which use encryption. You can identify these by clicking on the padlock or key at the bottom of the screen. This will tell you whether the site has got an encryption certificate, and what level of security they provide.
A certificate is not a guarantee that the business is legitimate, but it does mean you are protected by a secure connection.
