Shopping Online: What You Need to Know

How to Stay Safe When Shopping on the Web
Sept 2010
by Robin Wark

Online shopping is easy – so many stores, so many products. While technology has brought us convenience, it also has come with risks.

The super deal offered online could be a scam. Perhaps the people behind it are looking to collect your banking info to drain your account or confidential details to commit identity theft. Or maybe a hacker is using a program to swipe your information.

You need to be careful when making transactions online. Here are some tips that can help you shop safely on the web:

  • Protect Your PC: There is no sense in starting your shopping trip when a thief – in the form of a keylogger – is looking over your shoulder and taking down all of your important information. Before you consider making any online transactions, make sure your PC is secure. Install a reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware program, such as ParetoLogic Anti-Virus PLUS. You should scan with it frequently and ensure its signature database is updated often. It is also important to check if there are new updates for your web browser or operating system that could patch vulnerabilities.
    • ParetoLogic Anti-Virus PLUS features advanced scanning and cleaning of viruses, spyware, adware, keyloggers, Trojans and other malware

  • Know Where You Are Shopping: While large companies have had their websites hijacked, it is often a good idea to try to deal with well-known merchants. If you feel a lesser known company has too good a deal to pass up, check into them:
    • Do they have an address and phone number?
    • When you call, is it just voice mail or can you talk to a human being?
    • Does the person answering seem to know what is going on?
    • Read online reviews and check out seller ratings.

    Also, beware of phishing scams. These are emails or websites that look legitimate but have been created to get you to part with money or confidential information. It is a good idea not to click on links in emails and to navigate to the site yourself.

  • Make Sure the Site is Secure: You obviously don't want to be entering your credit card details into an unsecure form. You should look for:
    • URLs that start with https (Please note the additional "s" to the regular http). This indicates the site is secure.
    • A closed padlock or unbroken key in the corner of your browser.
    • The VeriSign logo or indications that the site uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology for encryption.
  • Consider Using A Credit Card: In certain countries, credit cards can provide a level of protection that cheques and debit cards usually do not. Under the United States' Federal Fair Credit Billing Act, users are liable for only $50 on disputed credit card transactions. It is even a good idea to have a credit card specifically for online shopping. This way it is easier to track its use. If there are suspicious charges to it, you will have a better idea of where the security breach occurred.
  • Read Privacy Policies: They can be very dry – and some almost as long as War and Peace, however it is important to know what the site is doing with your information. According to the U.S.'s American Bar Association, privacy policies should explain what information is being collected, how it will be used and if you can "opt out." It is a good idea to look for the logos of privacy enforcement organizations, such as TRUSTe or the Better Business Bureau Online (BBBOnLine).
  • Know Before You Buy: Before you head to the shopping cart, you should check out the site's return policy. It is also important to look into what the actual price will be. Shipping and handling can greatly change what you pay! As well, be aware of sales tax. In some parts of the United States, the seller is required to collect state sales tax if you are both in the same state.
  • Keep Records: You should save – and print and keep – any records related to online shopping. This can come in handy as you keep track of shipping dates, fees and returns.

When it comes to shopping in your pyjamas while enjoying your favourite beverage, nothing beats the countless stores online. While you might be comfy, there are some risks involved. By being aware and carefully following the tips above, you can make your web shopping trip safer.

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