A Consumer Guide to Shopping on the Internet
There's no doubt that great deals, convenience, and choices abound
online. But before you take advantage of all that the Internet has to
offer, take a minute to read the following safe-shopping tips. You'll
learn how to be "cybersmart," and get the most from your online
experience without putting yourself—or your wallet—at risk.
Security on the Internet
Shopping on the Internet can be just as safe as shopping in a store
or by mail. Just keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that
your online shopping experience is a secure one.
- Use a secure Web browser: Your browser should support the
most recent industry security standards, namely data encryption such
as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL enables your browser to encrypt
or scramble the information you send over the Internet, ensuring
your shopping transactions are secure. Most computers come with a
secure browser already installed, and others are available online.
Be sure to visit your browser developer's Web site to make sure the
version you're using is secure.
- Shop with companies you know: It's easy to set up an
online store under almost any name. If you're not familiar with a
merchant, ask for a catalog or brochure to get a better idea of
their merchandise and services. You should also determine the
company's refund and return policies before you place your order.
These should be posted on the company's Web site.
- 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. I
- Keep a record: Be sure to print a copy of your purchase
order and confirmation number for your records. You should also know
that the federal Mail/Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online
orders. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your
purchase must be delivered within 30 days, or the company must
notify you of any delays.
- Pay bills online only at secure sites: Some companies let
you pay bills and check your account status online. Before you sign
up for these services, evaluate how the company secures your
financial and personal information. One thing to look for is that
the company's site supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL supports
encryption or scrambling of private information. When you move to
the check-out section of a site, the "http" in the address of the
site should change to "https," letting you know you are working with
a secure server. Browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape will
also show a symbol in the lower left of the browser window, such as
a padlock or a key, letting you know the server is secure. In
addition, all companies should explain their security procedures on
their Web sites. If you don't see this information, contact the
company and ask.
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. You can gain more control over your personal information and
safeguard your privacy online by following these guidelines:
- Keep your personal information private: Don't disclose
personal information—such as your address, telephone number, Social
Security number or e-mail address—unless you know who is collecting
the information, why they are collecting it, and how they will use
it. For example, you might be wary of a company if they ask for your
address or credit card number before you have placed an order, or if
they request your Social Security number for ordinary shopping
transactions. And if you have children, teach them to check with you
before giving out this type of information online.
- Look for the online privacy policy: Many companies post
their privacy policies on their Web sites. This policy should
disclose what information is being collected on the site and how
that information is being used. Before you provide a company with
any personal information, check its privacy policy. If you can't
find a policy, send an e-mail or written message to the site about
the policy.
- Make choices: Many companies give you a choice on their
Web sites as to how your personal information is used or if it can
be used at all. These companies allow you to decline—or "opt out"
of—having personal information, such as e-mail addresses, used for
marketing purposes or shared with other companies. You should look
for this choice as part of the company's privacy policy.
Easy as ABC
When exploring companies online, an easy way to remember the privacy
and security questions you should ask about a company is to remember
your ABCs:
A bout Me?
What information does the company collect about me, and is it stored
securely?
B enefits?
How does the company use my information, and how does it benefit me?
C hoices?
What choices do I have about the way the company uses my information?
Can I opt out of having information used for other purposes, and how do
I do that?
This information is brought to you by the Worldwide E-Commerce Fraud
Prevention Network.
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