Online Shopping Safety and Privacy Protection Tips for Consumers
More
and more people are realizing the conveniences of shopping online — no
traffic, no crowds, no long lines, great bargains, 24-hour service — but many
are concerned about privacy of their personal information and security.
Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect information
about their online customers and potentially give or sell that information to
others. Trust Services recommends the following online shopping safety and
privacy protection tips to help ensure that your Web experience is fun and
safe:
Be cautious about giving out personal information
Don't disclose your 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. If you have children, teach them to
check with you before giving out personal or family information online.
Information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, and
mother's name (which often is used to confirm identity) should never be
required to make purchases.
Use a secure browser
Your browser should comply with industry standards and use technology such as
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. This technology encrypts or scrambles
the purchase information you send over the Internet and guards the security
of your online transactions. Most computers today come with a secure Internet
browser already installed. Look for a padlock symbol or similar icon at the
bottom edge of your browser screen, or check with the software manufacturer.
Make sure the vendor site is secure
Look at the Web site address, referred to as the Uniform Resource Locator or
"URL." A secure URL begins with the code "https" rather
than "http." In addition, check the security disclosures of Web
sites you visit, along with their privacy policies regarding collection and
use of your personal information. Some disclosures are easier to find than
others. Look at the bottom of the company's home page, on order forms, or in
the "About" or "FAQs" section of a site. If you cannot
find these policies, consider shopping elsewhere.
Never give your password to anyone online
This warning includes your Internet Service Provider, or ISP. Try to be
original when you create your password. The safest passwords use unusual
combinations of numbers, and upper- and/or lower-case letters, in addition to
symbols. Avoid using your name, telephone number, birth date, or a portion of
your Social Security number.
Shop with companies you know; identify the company's
physical location
Anyone can set up an online shop under almost any name. If you are not
familiar with a site, ask for a printed catalog or brochure by mail to get a
better idea of its merchandise and services. The name, address and contact
information for the company should always be given on the site. If not,
consider shopping elsewhere.
Check refund and return policies
These policies will give a clear indication of how strongly the company
stands behind its product(s). In addition, returning merchandise to an online
vendor may be more complicated than with a normal retail store. Before you
buy anything, know what will be required of you.
Make sure shipping and handling charges are clearly
stated
By doing so, you minimize the chances of being in for an unpleasant surprise
when you receive the bill.
Keep records of your online transactions
Always print out a copy of each purchase order with a confirmation number and
put it someplace safe. This information could be useful if you need to refer
to a previous transaction or contact the business again. You should know that
the Federal Mail/Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This
means that unless the Web site states otherwise, your merchandise must be
delivered within 30 days, and if there are delays, the site must notify you.
Review your monthly credit card statement as soon as
it arrives
If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction is 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 investigates. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or
charge card, generally you will be held liable only for the first $50 in
charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you
will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and
some card issuers may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase
protection benefits. It's also a good idea to check your credit report once a
year to make sure that fraudulent accounts haven't been opened in your name.
Do not allow children to shop on the Internet
without adult supervision
Besides the havoc they could wreak on your finances, children are
particularly vulnerable when it comes to giving out personal information.
Therefore, it's wise to supervise all Internet purchases.
Review the site's online privacy policy
Before you provide a Web site with any personal information, review its
privacy policy. Many Web sites post their privacy policies on their home
pages. A good privacy policy should disclose what information is being
collected and how it is being used. If you cannot find a policy, send an
E-mail or written message to the Web site to ask about its privacy policy and
request that it be posted on the site.
Look for opt-out clause in privacy policies
Many companies give you a choice on their Web sites as to whether and how your
personal information is used. These companies allow you to decline — or
"opt out of" — having personal information, such as an email
address, used for marketing purposes or shared with other companies. Look for
this choice as part of the company's posted privacy policy. A good policy
will also provide a way in which you can correct inaccurate information about
yourself.
Check sites for an assurance seal
You can feel safe and secure shopping with a Web site that has earned and
displays a WebTrust or SysTrust seal. Granted by a licensed accountant, the
WebTrust and SysTrust seals assure you that a site complies with a stringent
set of Principles and Criteria covering the site's business practice
disclosures, information protection controls, security procedures and
customer complaint resolution procedures. It is a symbol that tells you it is
safe to shop here.
What to do if your online privacy has been violated
or you have been a victim of online fraud
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection
strives to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive or fraudulent
practices, including on the Internet. The FTC publishes brochures on topics
such as automobiles, credit, health and fitness, investments, products,
services and telemarketing. If you believe you have been victim of online
fraud or privacy violations, contact the Consumer Response Center at
the FTC toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP or through the Internet at www.ftc.gov. You can
also contact the National Consumer League's National Fraud Information
Center located at P.O. Box 65068, Washington, D.C. 20035, call
toll-free at 1-800-876-7060 or visit their Web site at www.fraud.org.
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