In today’s digital age, making online payments has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking flights, or subscribing to streaming services, online transactions offer convenience and efficiency. However, with the convenience comes the responsibility to ensure the security of your financial information.
Ashraful aid offers you a number of channels that can be used to donate your sadaqah, zakat, lillah, fitra or fidya online in an easy, safe and convenient way.
Donating your charity online has become a common practice that relief workers use to raise the much needed funding that makes humanitarian aid possible. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making safe and secure online payments:
1. Verify legitimacy of the Websites and Apps:
Before making any online payment, ensure that you’re using reputable websites or apps.
- Look for secure URLs starting with “https://”
- check for security symbols such as a padlock icon in the address bar.
- checking the website URL is an exact match with the organisation you are interested in transacting with
2. Use Secure Payment Methods:
Opt for secure payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, or reputable online payment platforms like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. These services offer additional layers of security and buyer protection. Ashraful Aid uses Payfast for online transactions in South Africa. This merchant is widely used with ecommerce and has extensive policies that protect users.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions:
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them vulnerable to hackers. Avoid making online payments while connected to public Wi-Fi, especially when entering sensitive financial information.
4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:
Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
5. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams:
Be wary of emails, text messages, or phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Legitimate companies will never ask you to provide sensitive information via these channels. When in doubt, contact the company directly through their official website or customer service number.
6. Use Virtual Credit Cards for Added Security:
Most banks in South Africa offer virtual credit card services, allowing you to generate temporary card numbers for online purchases. These virtual cards are linked to your primary account but can be used only once or for a limited time, reducing the risk of fraud. When doing a transaction, log on to your mobile banking app to generate a temporary card number.
Check out this short 1 minute video to learn how virtual cards work https://youtube.com/watch?v=jyvjZoujH6E
By following these tips, you can make online payments with confidence, knowing that you’ve taken the necessary precautions to protect your financial information. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and enjoy the convenience of hassle-free online transactions!
