The customers, in turn, come to the Web site to pay their bills for a paperless, totally electronic interaction. Before rushing out to sign up for an online card, shop carefully. The Internet has its share of bogus card offers. One telltale sign is a credit card that asks for a fee up front or one that asks you to provide private financial information via e-mail. Be sure to check out a company's security measures.
Most sites are very up front about their security.
Look for the information. Additional tips are available from the National Fraud Information Center . People uncomfortable with sending private information such as address, salary or a Social Security number over the Internet can grab a telephone. Most issuers still take applications over the phone and most Web sites prominently display 800 numbers. Consumers have made it clear that they like shopping online with a credit card.