A Word About Passwords
Did you know the most common password used is 'password'? Your password is your key to access stored information in a merchant's database including your e-mail address, mailing and billing address and credit card information. So when selecting a password it is important to keep it in a secure place and select a password that won't be easily guessed. Use at least six characters and include numbers. Passwords are case-sensitive so include capital letters too. Change your password regularly and never leave your password on a piece of paper on or near your computer.
Always Pay With a Credit Card
The best way to protect yourself when shopping online is to pay for your purchases with a credit card. Credit card transactions are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which gives you the right to dispute charges and withhold payment while any disputed purchases are investigated. It also limits your liability for unauthorized use of your credit card to $50. These rights do not apply to purchases paid for with debit cards, checks, or cash.
Use a Secure Server
Most commercial web sites link you to their online order system using a secure server, which is what you should expect from any reputable site. When you buy an item online with a secure server, your personal information is scrambled as it is transmitted. Most web browsers like Netscape or Internet Explorer have a small picture of a key or padlock located in the lower left corner of your browser window to let you know if it’s safe to enter your credit card information. On a secure site, the key or padlock is unbroken or locked. On a site that is not secure, the key or padlock is broken or unlocked. Also, secure sites always start with https:// at the beginning of the URL address, instead of the more common http://. If the server is not secure, we recommend that you make your purchase elsewhere. NEVER e-mail your credit card information!
Keep Records of Your Transactions
When you buy from a nearby store, you always get a receipt. The same is true when shopping online. After making a purchase online, print a copy of the order confirmation page so you have a record of the transaction. After you receive your purchases, keep all of the packaging until you verify the products you received are what you ordered and that they fit or work properly. This makes returns much easier.
Cookies
Online businesses frequently use something called "cookies" which are small bits of information stored on your computer. Cookies help online businesses identify registered customers and also help track their customers’ interests and actions. You can change your cookies settings in your browser’s preference settings. However, if you turn cookies off, some sites may be disabled or less functional.
Is Shopping Online Safe?
Thousands of online transactions are completed safely every day, but many of the same kinds of risks you face with traditional shopping can also be present when you shop online. Although you may have seen stories about problems related to e-commerce, chances are you will never encounter any problems. Your best defense is to be an informed and responsible shopper. The Federal Trade Commission has published several reports regarding internet scams and what law enforcement agencies are doing to combat Internet crime. Click here to visit the Consumer Education portion of the Federal Trade Commission's web site.
Now that you have the tools, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the convenience and fun of online shopping. We hope you have many happy and rewarding cyber-shopping adventures!
