|
CyberBuying 101
Your Personal Safety Net - Seven Steps to Secure Online Buying
Cyber Safety Checklist
CyberRumors vs. Reality
Did You Know…
CyberBuying 101
There’s shopping online, and then there’s buying online. Do you know how to
protect yourself when purchasing on the Web? Equipped with the right know-how and
tools for secure online buying, you can sit back, relax and take advantage of what
the world of cybershopping has to offer. Read on to learn how you can go from online
browser to online buyer, and keep your peace of mind.
Back to top
Your Personal Safety Net - Seven Steps to Secure Online Buying
- Security Check
Carefully review Internet Service Providers’ (ISP) membership terms and security policies. Check out the provider’s track record by consulting tech-savvy friends, reading news articles and reviewing consumer reports.
- Know Your Merchant
Familiarize yourself with the reputation of Web sites where you shop. Visit the bottom of the Web page for company information, and stick with companies and brands you trust.
- Use a Cyber-Safe Credit Card
Credit cards are widely accepted as the online currency of choice. Card providers, such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express, often provide special online benefits and purchase protection plans.
- Protect Your Privacy
Know what information a merchant requires, how it will be used and if they will share data with other companies. Check out the site’s security and privacy policies for details.
- Get the Facts
Before you check out, take note of purchase delivery dates, shipping and handling fees and return policies.
- Safeguard Your Password
Do not use easily recognizable passwords, such as the names of family members, birthdays or anniversaries. Never share your password and don’t use the same password with multiple merchants.
- Keep Good Records
Print or save electronically all online transaction records. If you suspect fraud, report it to your credit card issuer and the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union).
Back to top
Cyber Safety Checklist
All online merchants are not created equal. Shop safely by checking for:
- Stated privacy policy, which ensures the protection of your personal information.
- Encryption of your credit card information, a method to convert your credit card and personal information into a secret digital transmission that only the merchant can read.
- Displayed icons, such as a padlock or other safety seal, which signal that the merchant addresses security issues. Review merchant statements that explain these icons since safety measures vary.
- Company contact information, such as a toll-free customer service line.
- Stated return policy and satisfaction guarantee on all merchandise.
Back to top
CyberRumors vs. Reality
Ease your online shopping concerns by separating truth from fiction.
Rumor: Companies sell your personal information to other companies for mailing or telemarketing lists.
Reality: Many e-commerce sites allow consumers to specify whether or not they want to receive communications such as direct e-mail, mail solicitations and outbound telemarketing.
Rumor: If you shop with a credit card online, your number is “out there” for all to see.
Reality: In the “real world,” credit card numbers are routinely given to salespeople, waiters, even customer service representatives over the phone. Only one percent of all credit card losses incurred last year was caused by Internet-related fraud (Association for Payment Clearing Services).
Back to top
Did You Know…
that of the 40 million Americans currently online, one-third also regularly shop online? (Ernst & Young)
that computer products accounted for almost half (47%) of the $15.2 billion that was spent online in the first half of this year? (Bizrate.com)
that within the next five years, U.S. households will spend $184 billion annually online, representing 7 percent of all retail spending? (Forrester Research)
Back to top
|
