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Safety Tips For Shopping Online
by James Hajovsky
The Internet is an enthralling tool that not only puts a great amount of information at your fingertips but expands your shopping options like never before. Now, with only a few clicks of a mouse, you can go online to buy just about anything you require or want. Shopping online stores can be exciting, easy, very accessible and economical, but just as in the offline world, some precautions should be taken.
Some consumer safety tips for shopping online stores...
Always Check For The Privacy Policy of an Online Store
All online stores will require information from you to process an order. Check for the privacy policy on their website. The privacy statement should advise what information is collected, how it will be used, and should provide you with an opportunity to refuse having your information shared with others. You should think twice before doing business with an online store that will not respect your privacy.
You should only give your credit card information in a secure connection on a web site, NEVER in ordinary e-mail.
So how do you tell if the Internet connections are secure when shopping online stores?
Many online shopping sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the credit card information that you send them over the World Wide Web. These online shopping sites usually inform you they are using this technology, but always check if the web address on the page that asks for your credit card information begins with "https:" instead of "http:"; if so, then this technology is in place.
Another security technology used by online stores is Secure Electronic Transaction technology. SET or SSL technologies are both designed to make your connection secure.
Some other ways to tell whether an online store uses security software:
- The icon of a lock is visible on the status bar
(Microsoft Internet Explorer®)
- The icon of a locked padlock is visible at the bottom of the screen
(Netscape Navigator™)
- The icon of an unbroken key is visible at the bottom of the screen
(Netscape Navigator™)
Paying by credit card at online shopping sites is safer than paying by check, cash, or debit card.
If you have an unauthorized charge on your credit card, under federal law your liability is limited to fifty dollars. So when it has been determined that your credit card was used in an online store without authorization, you are only responsible for the first fifty dollars in charges. You may also be able to dispute the charges if the goods do not arrive or if you are not satisfied with them and return them to the online shopping site.
Consider Using Single Use Credit Card Numbers When Shopping Online Stores
Consumers using some brands of credit cards can get “virtual credit cards,” or "single use card numbers", that can be used at an online shopping site. The randomly generated substitute credit card number can also be used to buy goods and services over the phone and by snail mail, but cannot be used where a traditional plastic credit card is required.
Every online store should have a Cancellation Policy, Return Policy and Complaint Handling Policy
Even under the best of circumstances, shoppers sometimes need to return merchandise. Check the web site for cancellation and return policies. Never expect less customer service just because a company operates a store on the Internet.
About The Author
James Hajovsky is the owner of the following websites. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates on new products & services.
http://thebestofwww.com Webmaster Resources
http://www.ez2shopmall.com Virtual Shopping
Copyright, All Rights Reserved. Reprints acceptable ONLY if the entire article remains intact with active links & this resource box is included.
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