Safe online shopping: Tips to avoid getting burned
You need to buy some gifts, and you need to buy them quickly. You can shop online with a nice glass of wine by your side!
Here are some easy ways to lock down your Web security this season, and still get all your shopping done in time.
Keep your browser updated
Start at the beginning. Whether you use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer, updating your browser will help to ensure that you’re getting the most up-to-date security protection.
Install malware-protection software
Another thing to check before you shop is your security software. The market has no shortage of utilities dedicated to protecting your computer from malicious attacks.
You can even find plenty of free applications for protecting your computer from malware and Internet attacks that could result from an unfortunate online shopping session. The bottom line: Anti-malware programs can't protect you from all attacks, But in this day and age, it's silly not to use some sort of baseline protection. I am a fan of MaywareBytes which can be downloaded for free from www.download.com
Buy from reputable online stores and sellers
If you’ve never heard of the site you’re considering a purchase from, you have a number of ways to make sure it is legitimate.
Third-party organizations such as the Better Business Bureau Online and Truste give seals of approval to sites that meet their security and privacy standards.
Also, comparing products on sites like Bizrate can give you confidence that you're getting a fair price.
Look for the address-bar padlock symbol
A webpage should always be Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)-encrypted if you plan to use your credit card information to shop. SSL encryption ensures privacy by restricting the computers that can access the data being transferred, limiting access to you and the online retailer exclusively.
Most browsers indicate that the encryption is active with a padlock icon near the address bar, and the URL is preceded with https:// instead of http://, as shown below.
Give out as little information as possible
Beware of nosy questions seeking personal information. For instance, a reputable online retailer will never need your Social Security number.
Generally it’s a good practice to give out the least amount of information the seller requires, so look over the required fields on forms and fill them out accordingly. Use the minimum number of fields that will allow your purchase to proceed.
Never give out your credit card number over email
It’s simple: Legitimate retailers will never ask for your credit card information or other sensitive personal details over email.
As mentioned above, the only time you should give out your credit card number and other personal info online is when you are on an SSL-encrypted webpage operated by a trusted retailer.
Know your rights
In the United States, online purchases you make with a credit card are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which limits your responsibility for fraudulent or erroneous charges to $50.
Consumers are required to write a physical letter within 60 days detailing any complaint to the retailer, with a return receipt acting as proof that the creditor received the letter.
The Federal Trade Commission provides an example letter, so all you need to do is fill in the blanks with your information.
Use common sense
If a deal online seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If anything seems suspicious—for instance, if a retailer refuses to provide details on a product or avoids answering billing questions, or if you cannot find a phone number or address of the store—the best practice is to avoid it and shop with a tried-and-true online retailer instead.
Additionally, you should never feel pressured to give out information. If a retailer is requesting something from you that makes you uncomfortable, it's probably time to take your business elsewhere
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