A few best practices in using a Credit Card online include:

1. Always use a true credit card and never use a debit card for online purchases (you have have better fraud protection with the Fair Credit Reporting Act) and vandals can have unlimited access to your checking or savings account.

2. Make certain you are purchasing from a mainstream secure site and using secure server technology where you see a “lock“ icon in your browser including your information will be encrypted.

3. As shared by the Internet Storm Center, use a special credit card with low limits for any online purchases.

4. Monitor credit card statements carefully for every credit card you have. 

5. Contact your credit card customer service center immediately by phone and in writing if you detect a fraudulent transaction.  Usually only 30 days are allowed to dispute charges.  

http://www.incidents.org/diary.php?date=2004-07-25

Many people use credit cards for online purchases. One thing you can do to help protect yourself is to get a credit card that you only use for online purchases and have the limit set low, say for $500. This way if your information is stolen, you have a lower limit for which someone can take advantage. Always make sure to keep an eye on that credit card statement.

Some banks will allow you to setup a one-time use only card number online, or a temporary number that is only valid for a couple of months and has a smaller limit then your main card. For more information on what you can be held liable for and steps you can take if you believe that your credit card information has been stolen see

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/atmcard.htm