6 Steps to Secure Online Shopping
Statistics show that the single biggest worry most people have about shopping online is security. These simple steps can help assure you a safe online shopping experience.
1. Research the site before you order
Look for an “about” or “contact” page that gives information about the business. At the very least, you need email contact information. You may want to do a “whois” search on the domain to learn who owns it, and where they are located. Look for third party seals of approval.
Some popular off-site options to research a site include Epinions, BizRate, the Better Business Bureau, and TrustE. You can even Google the business name to see what other people are saying about it.
2. Look for and read security and privacy policies
Be cautious about giving personal information to a site that doesn’t have a posted policy about disclosing information to third parties. Some freebies, special offers, and surveys are scams to collect marketing information.
3. Pay attention to your browser window
Browser filters like the Phishing Filter in IE7 or the SmartScreen Filter in IE8 can warn you if a site has been reported as a phishing site, and block it. Your browser window will display an unbroken key or closed lock to indicate SSL protections, and secure order pages will have a url that begins with “https”.
4. Beware of electronic signatures
Because the E-Sign Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) allows a signature process that may be as simple as clicking a checkbox (without traditional fraud protections), be especially cautious with e-signatures.
5. Use safe passwords
It doesn’t do any good to choose a complex password if you have to write it on a Post-it stuck to your monitor. Don’t use the same password for all your online activities. Create a memorable password by using first letters of a title, song lyric, or even a family story like SCbtrdsC1958 (Santa Claus brought the red dancing shoes Christmas 1958).
6. Pay safely
Using a check or debit card can expose your bank account to theft, so most experts advise using a credit card to pay online. Liability is limited to $50, and there are fraud protections in place. Add another layer of protection by using your credit card with a service like PayPal.