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Safely - How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online
Online shopping
offers many benefits that you won’t find shopping in a
brick and mortar store or by mail. The Internet is
always open seven days a week and 24 hours a day.
Internet-only deals and bargains can be numerous online.
Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping
in a store or by mail. Keep the following tips in mind
to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a
safe one.
1. While Online Order Only On A Secure Server.
Use a secure browser and shop only at websites that
offer encryption protection. A protected website will
have one or more of these three features:
a) The small lock or key symbol at the bottom of your
browser window;
b) An address that starts with https ("s" for "secure")
instead of just http; and
c) A security warning box that pops up at the point of
purchase.
Your browser should comply with industry security
standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These
standards scramble the purchase information you send
over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction.
2. Pay The Safest Way.
Use a credit card or Debit Card with a safe online
shopping guarantee. Look for a card with specific
guarantees, like 100% coverage for any losses due to
fraud when shopping on the Internet. Many companies
offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will
not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges
made online, and some cards may provide additional
warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.
3. Protect Your Privacy.
Look for and read a website's privacy and security
policy. Stay clear of a website that either doesn't have
one or does not guarantee your personal information will
not be sold. This policy should disclose what
information is being collected on the Web site and how
that information is being used.
4. Know Who You're Dealing With.
Research your merchant. Look at the ratings consumers
give them and stay clear of websites that either aren't
listed or receive poor marks. Shop with companies you
know. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any
name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a
paper catalogue or brochure to get a better idea of
their merchandise and services. Also, determine the
company’s refund and return policies before you place
your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web
site.
5. Keep A Record.
Print out a copy of your order and confirmation number
for your records. Reputable merchants will usually send
you an email confirming your order. However a hard copy
is always good to have in case your order is lost,
deleted or not delivered as promised.
6. Guard Your Online Password.
Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you
establish a password, and never share your website
passwords with anyone. Write them down and store them in
a safe place. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date
or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead,
use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Do
not use the same username and password at every website.
Should your personal information be compromised, a thief
won't get very far if you use different passwords and
usernames on different websites.
7. Track Your Purchases.
Use only one credit card to shop with online. This helps
keep track of your online purchases during the holidays,
and will make it easier to spot purchases that are
fraudulent. Look for a card that allows you to review
transactions online as well -- you'll be more likely to
notice a problem early on.
8. Keep Personal Information Private.
Don't enter more information at a merchant website than
is absolutely necessary. There is usually no reason why
you should have to supply information such as birth
dates or Social Security numbers when making a purchase.
Fill in only the bare essentials necessary to make your
purchase. If you have children, teach them to check with
you before giving out personal – or family – information
online.
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