shoppers are concerned with on-line security issues and the fear
of "Identity theft".
Yet, shopping on the Internet is changing our way of life. The
question is: "Is it safe to shop online?" The answer is that the
internet is a very safe place to shop, as long as you are
careful and take some precautions to protect yourself.
When you shop online via a merchant that offers a SECURE SERVER,
you are probably safer than when you use your credit card at an
off line brick and mortar establishment. Additionally you
benefit by being able to find: · a huge variety and options for
what you are looking for, · shop from the convenience of your
home or office, · shop anytime day or night, · shop without the
pressure of over eager salespeople. So, forget the traffic,
forget the store hours, forget the crowds and forget the lines
at the cashier's stands.
Following are a few precautions you should take to feel secure
Shopping on the Internet.
Safety Tip # 1: Shop at sites that post a physical address, an
E-mail address and a telephone number. If you are not quite
sure, E-mail them. They should reply within 72 hours. CALL them
and make sure you can talk with a PERSON, not a machine. Jot
down the name of the person you spoke with. Ask a few questions
regarding the merchandise, policies, etc... Once you are
satisfied, proceed with your purchases.
Safety Tip # 2: Look for vendors with SECURE SERVERS. The
encryption technology is evolving constantly and though it
already makes shopping on the Internet safe, it keeps adding
more and more features for the security and protection of on
line shoppers. If you want to be sure about the security of your
information, do the following before giving your credit card
information: On the site in question "pretend" to order an item
by adding it to the cart. Go to the cart and if you are on the
page where you need to enter your information proceed to: Check
if there is a written claim on the page that it is secure, or
that you have entered the secure section of the web site. The
address shoud begin with https:// instead of http:// Unless
there is an S following the HTTP the page you are on IS NOT
secure! Some sites only display a locked padlock. This is how
you check for security: >From anywhere on the page, RIGHT CLICK.
You'll get a table. CLICK on PROPERTIES it will take you to
another table. Check the CONNECTION. Watch for the following
information: The company and section of the site. for example:
If you go to http:www.a-weddingday.com, and place an order, the
secure page will show: A-Wedding Day Shopping Plaza Online Order
Form The Protocol: HyperText Transfer Protocol with Privacy.
Note Protocol with Privacy. The Connection: SSL 3.0, RC4 with
128 bit encryption (High); RSA with 1024 bit exchange. SSL with
128 bit encription is used by banks and financial institutions
and is the highest security to-date. The Address (URL)
https://loki.safe-order.net/a-weddingday/............... Note
the following: Security https://loki.safe-order.net/ Name of
Company: a-weddingday/............ If you do not see the
specifics as I described them above, the site may have a lower
security level or its security may be in question. If you want
to find out about the site's SECURITY CERTIFICATE, click on
CERTIFICATE on the right bottom. You need to check for: This
certificate in intended to Ensures the identity of a remote
computer. Issued to, may not be the site owner but through their
hosting company. So do not worry about it. You already varified
that the site is or was secure. So you know that this order form
is secure. or is it? The next step is of utmost omportance!
Check the certificate's expiration date to assure that the
security certificate IS CURRENT.
Once you obtained all that the information you need, click on th
OK button. Hit the back button to return to the previous page
and click on the delete item button.
Safety Tip # 3: When you order on the Internet using your credit
card, rest assured that most credit card companies have
provisions for challenging fraudulent charges. Nevertheless, be
sure to print out a copy of your order and keep the copy with
your records.
Safety Tip # 4: NEVER provide personal information, such as your
social security number or checking account information to
process credit card transactions. The vendor needs only the
following information to process the credit card transaction:
your full name as it appears on the card, your billing address,
your phone number, Your E-mail address (in case there is a need
to communicate with you,) your credit card number, The security
code (3 digits by the magnetic strip of Visa and Mastercard or 4
digits on the front of an American Express Card), the card's
expiration date.
Now go on - shop on the Internet have fun, save time and hassle
and get what you want from the privacy of your home or office. !