Some consumers are overly paranoid about credit card fraud. By all means, it’s a real concern and one that all cardholders should take seriously. But I’m talking about the ones who refuse to ever make a purchase online because they assume that means someone can get their credit card information (or having similar habits).

Maybe you know one of them. Maybe you are one of them! If so, it’s time to stop fearing credit card fraud and to take control over the situation.

Whether or not you’re a victim of credit card fraud is almost entirely in your hands. You know you have to protect your credit cards when you’re out — keep them out of sight so no one can grab them, put them away so you don’t lose them, and call the credit card company if you can’t find them. The same goes with your shopping habits, both online and off.

Decisions, Decisions

Think of credit card fraud online similarly to offline fraud. You wouldn’t set your credit card down on a store counter for everyone to see your credit card number, would you? Then don’t do that online either — only share it over a secure Web connection (the site address generally starts with https:// instead of http://, or you’ll see a little lock icon near the bottom of your browser).

Would you use your credit card at a shady-looking store you were completely unfamiliar with? I’d hope not. Again, transfer that behaviour to online shopping. If it looks like a very small website, one that could have been set up (and therefore vanish) in a day, then don’t give them your credit card information if you’re not confident about their security.

On the other hand, you’re generally pretty safe shopping online with major retailers (just like with offline shopping). If you trust them enough to shop with them offline, you can probably trust their online store just as much. And there are plenty of trustworthy online-only retailers out there as well. If you’re really concerned, research consumer reviews before shopping with a new company.

When it comes to credit card fraud, in most cases you’re only at risk if you put yourself there. Are there exceptions such as with hackers? Sure. But making a payment in person still might put your information into a computer system — it’s not as different as you might think.

Shop with retailers you trust and protect your credit card information just as much as you would protect your physical credit card, and you can take control of your fear of credit card fraud without excessively limiting your options. And don’t forget to check with your credit card company. Your card might even have extra fraud protection — like with the American Express Platinum card — you don’t know about.