| It is important to know who
you are giving your financial details. If you are not sure, don't give them and use
alternative arrangements. If you are intent on using online services then the
following advice is recommended.
1. Use a credit card with a safe
online shopping guarantee.
Look for a card with specific guarantees, like 100%
coverage for any losses due to fraud when shopping on the Internet. Many credit cards only
cover a percentage or set amount toward fraud.
2. Shop only at websites that
offer encryption protection.
How do you know if the site is protected prying
eyes - a protected website will have one or more of these three features:
- the small lock/key symbol at the bottom of your browser
window
- an address that starts with https ("s" for
"secure") instead of just http
- a warning box that pops up at the point of purchase
3. Look for and read a website's
privacy and security policy.
Be wary of website that either don't have one or do not
guarantee your personal information will not be sold.
4. Research your merchant.
Many websites, let consumers evaluate hundreds of
different merchants on criteria such as customer service, privacy policies, and content.
Look at the ratings consumers give them and stay clear of websites that either aren't
listed or receive poor marks.
5. Print out a copy of your
order and confirmation number for your records.
Reputable merchants will usually send you an email
confirming your order. However a hard copy is always good to have in case your order is
lost, deleted or not delivered as promised.
6. Never share your website passwords
with anyone.
Write them down and store them in a safe place.
A good password is one that is not a word, contains both
alpha and numeric characters and is changed periodically.
7. Do not use the same username and
password at every website.
Should your personal information be compromised, a thief
won’t get very far if you use different passwords and usernames on different
websites.
8. Use only one credit card to shop
with online.
This helps keep track of your online purchases during the
holidays, and will make it easier to spot purchases that are fraudulent. Look for a card
that allows you to review transactions online as well – you'll be more likely to
notice a problem early on.
9. Don't enter more information
at a merchant website than is absolutely necessary.
There is usually no reason why you should have to supply
information such as birth dates or Social Security numbers when making a purchase. Fill in
only the bare essentials necessary to make your purchase.
10. Use a Card that is protected with
a 100% Safe Shopping Pledge
This is why See-Search recommends
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