Shopping online offers lots of benefits you won't find shopping in
traditional stores. The worldwide stores of the Internet never close. You can
order tulip bulbs directly from Holland, exotic spices from Turkey or handwoven
wall hangings from Mexico or Morocco -- anytime 365-days a year. Taking
advantage of their low overhead, Internet vendors often offer highly discounted
prices. Savings can be substantial. In addition, Internet stores now offer more
safe and flexible payment methods than ever before.
Only a few
simple precautions are required to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one:
Use a Secure Web Browser - They scramble or "encrypt"
your purchase information so that only you and the vendor can read it. Many
online stores now "sense" whether or not your browser is secure
and will help you proceed accordingly. DO NOT ORDER from online stores that
do not offer secured transactions. Most new computers come with secured
browsers installed, or you can download them free over the Internet. [Download
the latest Web browsers]
Keep Records - Most online stores will email you confirmation of
your order. Print out and save these.
Check your credit card and bank statements - look for errors and
purchases you did not make. If you find errors, call your credit card
company or bank immediately.
Check the online store's policies - Look for disclosures about the
Web site's security, refund and return policies, and statements about how
the Web site will use your personal information. Look for links to
"About" pages or "FAQ" pages. If a Web store says
nothing about protecting your privacy, shop somewhere else.
Online and Off - Protect Your Identity
Never tell your password - to anybody, not even your Internet
service provider. Other than to gain access, no legitimate service will ever
ask you for your password.
Watch what you download - Never download files, run programs or
view graphics sent to you by strangers. Beware of clicking on URL
"links" sent to you in email by people you do not know.
Most Important of All - Keep Your Personal Information Private!
Unless you know the people asking and why they are asking for it, never tell
anyone your address, telephone number, Social Security number, email address
or passwords.
More Resources for Privacy and Safety
Internet
Safety for Children Kids and parents should read this publication from the Federal Trade
Commission that explains both what the Internet and Web are all about and
how to use them safely.
The Internet Alliance
Represents companies involved in online commerce, which, along with the
National Consumers League, sponsors Project Open to help consumers get the
most out of going online.
National Consumer League
Advocacy organization working to protect and promote the economic and social
interests of America's consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair
business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help
consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free
information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357), or use the Online
Complaint Form. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity
theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure,
online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement
agencies U.S. and abroad.
| 