Online Shopping - stay safe this Christmas
Posted by Gavin Pay on December 03, 2009 in Online with 0 CommentsWith Christmas fast approaching, many people are turning to online shopping to buy their presents. Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open and there are always bargains to be had.
However, there are also many things to watch out for, and at this time of year you will need to be even more vigilant if you decide to buy items online. But what can you do to minimise any risk? Here are some tips to help you have a happier and safer online shopping experience.
Make sure the business is legitimate
If you're not familiar with the merchant, do a little research like typing its name (and perhaps the word "scam") into a search engine to see if there are any reports of scams. Look for user reviews and seller ratings if you locate the merchant through a search engine.
Make sure the website uses encryption
- On the Web page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an "s" after "http" in the Web address of that page. It should read: https://.
- Also make sure there is a tiny closed padlock in the address bar, or on the lower right corner of the window. Clicking the padlock will give you the security details of the site.
Use a filter that warns you of suspicious websites
While they might be legitimate, there is the possibility of some offers coming from criminals trying to trick you into giving your password to a rogue site or visiting a site that can put malicious software on your computer. Most browsers come with a filter than can warn you of any fraud attempts by the site.
Keep your Web browser updated
Cyber thieves are always working on ways around internet security, just as the internet security companies are working on ways to keep our browsers safe. To give yourself the best chance of staying safe always make sure that your browser has all the latest security updates installed.
Read the website's Privacy and Security Policies
Reputable e-commerce website offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled "Privacy Policy." You can find out if the merchant intends to share your information with a third party or affiliate companies. Look for online merchants who are members of a seal-of-approval program that sets voluntary guidelines for privacy-related practices, such as TRUSTe, Verisign, or BBBonline.
Pay by credit card
Credit cards offer you an extra level of protection including the right to reverse the payment if you feel you're a victim of fraud. The credit company will investigate your claim and permanently remove the charge if fraud can be proven. Also some credit card companies offer extra protections including extended warranties and protection against loss or theft.
Too good to be true?
Finally, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This includes sellers offering very low prices or large quantities of impossible-to-find items. Be cautious of special offers from unfamiliar sites. Fake online offers and coupons may lead to harmful sites, so be suspicious.
Gavin Pay has been developing Internet Applications for nearly 10 years and has loved every minute of it. He specialises in Microsoft technologies such as ASP.Net and SQL.Find out more at Gavin's Profile. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to hear more!
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