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Shop Online Safely
The Internet is an exciting tool that puts vast
information at your fingertips. With a click of a mouse, it lets you buy an
airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your
favorite stock.
Good deals, convenience, and choice abound on the
Internet. But before you use all the Internet has to offer, be “cyber“ smart
to make the most of your online experience.
Security on the Internet
Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won’t find shopping in a
store or by mail. The Internet is always open – seven days a week, 24 hours a
day – 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.
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Use a secure browser. This is the software you use to navigate the
Internet. 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.
Most computers come with a browser installed. You also can download some
browsers for free over the Internet.
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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 catalog 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.
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Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a
password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth
date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination
of numbers, letters and symbols.
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Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card
online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain
circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is
investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or
charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in
charges. Some 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.
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Keep a record. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and
confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the Mail
and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that
unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered
within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.
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Pay your bills online. Some companies let you pay
bills and check your account status online. Before you sign up for any
service, evaluate how the company secures your financial and personal
information. Many companies explain their security procedures on their Web
site. If you don’t see a security description, call or email the company and
ask. |
EASY AS ABC
When exploring online, think ABC to remember the privacy and
security questions you should ask about a company.
About me.
What information does the company collect about me and is it secure?
Benefits. How does the company
use that information and what is the benefit to me?
Choices. What choices do I have
about the company’s use of information about me? Can I opt-out of having
information used for other purposes, and how?
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Privacy on the Internet
Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect information
about you and potentially give or sell that information to others. While the
Internet can serve as a tremendous resource for information, products, and
services, you should be sure to safeguard your privacy online by following
these tips.
| Keep personal information private. Don’t disclose personal information –
such as your address, telephone number, Social Security number, or email
address – unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are
collecting it, and how they will use it. If you have children, teach them to
check with you before giving out personal – or family – information online.
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| Look for an online privacy policy. Many companies post their privacy
policies on their Web site. This policy should disclose what information is
being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used.
Before you provide a company with personal information, check its privacy
policy. If you can’t find a policy, send an email or written message to the
Web site to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the site.
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| Make choices. Many companies give you a choice on their Web site as to
whether and how your personal information is used. These companies allow you
to decline – or “opt-out” of – having personal information, such as your
email address, used for marketing purposes or shared with other companies.
Look for this choice as part of the company’s privacy policy. |
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