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Online Shopping--Better Safe Than Sorry. Buying online is quick and
convenient. So, why do some consumers still brave the hassles of
brick-and-mortar shopping? The number one reason is security.
According to the National Consumers League, consumers lost over
$6.5 million last year to various forms of Internet fraud. From
credit card information theft to dishonest merchants, these real
risks have spooked otherwise some Web-savvy computer users from
shopping online.
Quality online shops are working to match the level of
credibility and accountability many brick-and-mortar stores
deliver. Encryption software, watch groups and rating systems
are just a few measures now being implemented to help protect
online shoppers. However, to shop safely, consumers may have to
forgo some of the impulse purchasing that has largely defined
online sales. Distinguishing safe from unsafe sites requires a
little investigating. Still, it takes far less time and effort
to become a prudent online shopper than finding parking at the
local mall!
Is This Site Secure?
Any legitimate shopping site should have a "secure server" that
encrypts payment information as it travels from the user's
server to the merchant's. To tell whether a site's secure, look
for at least one of these indicators:
A pop-up window that informs
shoppers, as they proceed to check-out, that they're about to
enter a secure site.
A URL with an "s" at the end of
http:// so the site reads, https://
For Internet Explorer users, a lock
icon that appears on the bottom navigation bar.
For Netscape Navigator users, a
closed lock icon that appears on the bottom navigation bar
(unlocked means the site is not secure).
If a site says it's secure, but
doesn't display any of the above signs, contact the stated
security provider to make sure. Never enter any payment
information on a site that doesn't have a secure server.
Who Can You Trust?
In addition to providing a secure server, reliable sites adhere
to the following general security practices:
Clearly posts detailed information
on warranty and return policy.
Indicates shipping and, if
applicable, sales tax costs.
Prominently lists all contact
information including names, address, phone numbers, etc.
Replies quickly to email inquiries.
If a site has a message board, check
for active repeat users (a good sign), or negative comments
(clearly a bad sign). Also, trustworthy sites often have a
policy against selling illegal or inappropriate products.
Several watchdog organizations including the
Better Business Bureau,
The Public Eye, and
CPA WebTrust have
developed their own criteria for rating secure sites and will
grant a seal of approval to those e-business sites that comply.
The consumer newsgroup, Misc. consumer provides a comprehensive
list of disreputable commerce sites, and the Internet Fraud
Watch offers information on bogus promotions and potential
scams.
Play it Safe
Don't leave your security completely in the hands of the
merchant. Even when shopping on secure sites, it's wise to take
the following basic precautionary steps:
Always use a credit card to make
online purchases. Debit cards, cash, checks and money orders
almost never offer the same degree of consumer protection.
Some sites allow the shopper to
create an account, so they won't have to reenter their
information each time they make a purchase. If the account
requires a password, make sure the password is at least six
characters long and combines upper and lowercase letters,
numbers and characters.
Think twice before establishing a
one-click shopping account on a computer that numerous users
access, as they'll be able to use your account as well.
Always keep a printed record of
online purchases that states when and how much you spent.
Never release your social security
number to an online vendor -- even if they say they need it.
Installing Peace of Mind
Solutions such as firewall software can help prevent hackers
from entering personal files and stealing valuable information.
Internet filtering software, such as,
Norton Internet
Security can ensure that the user's browser transmits credit
card information only to sites with a secure server. In
addition, Internet filtering software can help protect privacy
by preventing children from transmitting specified personal
information.
You'll stand much more than a fighting chance against Internet
fraud if you always look for a secure server sign, and use
common sense before making any purchase. Remember that a flashy
looking Web site isn't necessarily legitimate. One that has a
good reputation, clearly posts possible hidden costs and
responds quickly to customer inquiries is generally trustworthy
and reliable.
If, in the event you are the victim of online fraud, report the
incident to the National Fraud
Center, (800) 876-7060.
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