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Safe Online Shops
Every year, more consumers turn
to the Internet for their shopping requirements. In 2000, 40 million
Americans bought something on the Internet. In 2001, that number grew to
over 58 million. Online shopping offers many conveniences. For example, you
can compare prices and products from many different stores, find items not
available in your local area, and buy last-minute gifts; all without leaving
the comfort of your home. Avoid crowds and the hassle of finding a parking
space at the congested mall. Usually you can even get a better price on the
Internet!
As the amount of online customers grows, so too does consumer worries about
online security. The news is full of stories about cyber identity theft.
This happens when your personal and/or financial information, including your
credit card details, is hacked into by a criminal, leaving you footing the
bill.
But don't despair! There's good news: Online shopping is a lot safer than it
used to be. In 1999, it was found, among other things, that few systems were
in place to safeguard online transactions. Secure servers were nonexistent
at some sites, making it impossible to ensure safe credit-card transactions.
Now security systems have greatly improved and it appears that most online
merchants are doing a good job of providing a secure environment for online
credit card purchases and other financial transactions.
For a safe online shopping experience,
follow these important steps:
1. Look for a Secure Browser Connection
Before you submit your credit card
information, make sure the website complies with industry security standards
by using protection such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL). This is a technology
that encrypts your personal information as it travels across the Internet,
safeguarding your transaction from everyone who should not see it.
Check the site's security policy, and
when it's time to enter sensitive credit card details, look for "https" in
the site's URL or address field, an unbroken key, or a small padlock image
in the bottom left-hand corner of the browser window.
2. Check the Digital Certificate
By double clicking on the small locked
padlock icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the browser window, you can
access and check the details of the digital certificate. Make sure it
matches with the web site you are viewing and that the dates are valid.
3. Use your Credit Card
In accordance with the Fair Credit
Billing Act, you can dispute charges and withhold payment of the disputed
charge while your complaint is being investigated by a creditor.
Furthermore, almost all credit card companies will pay any amount over $50
if your card is used in an unauthorized transaction.
4. Keep your Password Secret
Many e-commerce sites and online
catalogues require a password for returning customers to access their
accounts. If you have accounts at more than one site, make sure your
password is different for all sites. Don't use an obvious password, such as
your birthday or maiden name. If you have to write down your passwords, put
it in a place where others cannot find it. Never tell your passwords to
anyone.
5. Print out your Receipt
When you've completed your online
purchase, a receipt will be displayed on the final screen. Instead of
writing down the information, print the actual receipt from the screen for
your records. This will come in very handy should any discrepancies occur.
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