We all know the perils of giving out your card details online, whether you’re buying a new laptop or signing up to a bookmaker to bet on the Premier League. Many people are reluctant to give out such personal and sensitive information when making an online purchase, and so, the purpose of this article is to highlight ways you help you stay safe when betting online.
Staying Safe when Betting Online
Back in the day, signing up to a bookmaker and betting online were seen as a venture into the darkest areas of the internet, areas prone to credit card fraud and theft. While these issues are still a major concern, bookmakers have gone through great lengths to mitigate these risks with dedicated departments working around the clock to ensure your privacy is protected.
The first step in staying safe is by doing some research about the company before you decide to deposit. There should be clear answers in the bookmakers help section about how your account is protected, including security measures over your card details and other issues related to fraud prevention.
So what makes a company safe to bet with? The reputation is the most important factor of them all. For instance, BetWay had a troubled start and their reputation nosedived after they were accused of withholding customer funds. This caused an outrage and as a result, BetWay had to change management from the ground up to ensure they shift that negative goodwill.
Another factor to consider is the gaming license. Who is regulating the company and do they have a gaming license to even operate? At the bottom of each bookmakers site, you will quickly discover all the relevant information regarding the license and this is an indication that you’re in safe hands. If you do end up falling victim to Credit card fraud you can read this article for support.
The HTTPS Rule
HTTPS MUST always be included in the URL right before the website name. For example, https://www.unibet.co.uk. HTTPS ensures that your card details stay safe when depositing funds, adding extra measures to your safety and security.
Other Important Safety Measures
There are some other safety features you should be aware of when making transactions online. Have you ever found your details already filled in when making another online purchase? While it can be extremely convenient especially on mobile, these are shortcuts that can make your details vulnerable to credit card fraud. It would be wise not to fill out any automatic forms and to delete all forms from the internet, go to settings → internet history → delete forms.
Keep in mind that when you delete forms you’ll be deleting all other forms on different websites too.
Why Should I Care?
While it’s the company or bookmakers responsibility to keep your card details safe, it is important to know what the bookmaker is doing to ensure your details are safe. Almost all bookmakers have a risk and fraud department where employees scan thousands of identity documents every single day to ensure the credit cards are not stolen.
Always be aware of the risks of making online transactions but if you follow the measures discussed above, you’ll be on the right track for safer online shopping.