More and more people are realizing the conveniences of shopping online
— no traffic, no crowds, no long lines, great bargains, 24-hour
service — but many are concerned about privacy of their personal
information and security. Technology now provides companies with the
ability to collect information about their online customers and potentially
give or sell that information to others. Trust Services recommends the
following online shopping safety and privacy protection tips to help
ensure that your Web experience is fun and safe:
Be cautious about giving out personal information
Don't disclose your personal information — such as your address,
telephone number, Social Security number or E-mail address — unless
you know WHO is collecting the information, WHY
they are collecting it, and HOW they will use it. If
you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal
or family information online. Information such as your Social Security
number, bank account numbers, and mother's name (which often is used
to confirm identity) should never be required to make purchases.
Use a secure browser
Your browser should comply with industry standards and use technology
such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. This technology encrypts
or scrambles the purchase information you send over the Internet and
guards the security of your online transactions. Most computers today
come with a secure Internet browser already installed. Look for a padlock
symbol or similar icon at the bottom edge of your browser screen, or
check with the software manufacturer.
Make sure the vendor site is secure
Look at the Web site address, referred to as the Uniform Resource Locator
or "URL." A secure URL begins with the code "https" rather than "http."
In addition, check the security disclosures of Web sites you visit,
along with their privacy policies regarding collection and use of your
personal information. Some disclosures are easier to find than others.
Look at the bottom of the company's home page, on order forms, or in
the "About" or "FAQs" section of a site. If you cannot find these policies,
consider shopping elsewhere.
Never give your password to anyone online
This warning includes your Internet Service Provider, or ISP. Try to
be original when you create your password. The safest passwords use
unusual combinations of numbers, and upper- and/or lower-case letters,
in addition to symbols. Avoid using your name, telephone number, birth
date, or a portion of your Social Security number.
Shop with companies you know; identify the company's physical location
Anyone can set up an online shop under almost any name. If you are not
familiar with a site, ask for a printed catalog or brochure by mail
to get a better idea of its merchandise and services. The name, address
and contact information for the company should always be given on the
site. If not, consider shopping elsewhere.
Check refund and return policies
These policies will give a clear indication of how strongly the company
stands behind its product(s). In addition, returning merchandise to
an online vendor may be more complicated than with a normal retail store.
Before you buy anything, know what will be required of you.
Make sure shipping and handling charges are clearly stated
By doing so, you minimize the chances of being in for an unpleasant
surprise when you receive the bill.
Keep records of your online transactions
Always print out a copy of each purchase order with a confirmation number
and put it someplace safe. This information could be useful if you need
to refer to a previous transaction or contact the business again. You
should know that the Federal Mail/Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers
online orders. This means that unless the Web site states otherwise,
your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days, and if there are
delays, the site must notify you.
Review your monthly credit card statement as soon as it arrives
If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction is protected
by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to
dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold
payment while the creditor investigates. In the event of unauthorized
use of your credit or charge card, generally you will be held liable
only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping
guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized
charges made online, and some card issuers may provide additional warranty,
return and/or purchase protection benefits. It's also a good idea to
check your credit report once a year to make sure that fraudulent accounts
haven't been opened in your name.
Do not allow children to shop on the Internet without adult supervision
Besides the havoc they could wreak on your finances, children are particularly
vulnerable when it comes to giving out personal information. Therefore,
it's wise to supervise all Internet purchases.
Review the site's online privacy policy
Before you provide a Web site with any personal information, review
its privacy policy. Many Web sites post their privacy policies on their
home pages. A good privacy policy should disclose what information is
being collected and how it is being used. If you cannot find a policy,
send an E-mail or written message to the Web site to ask about its privacy
policy and request that it be posted on the site.
Look for opt-out clause in privacy policies
Many companies give you a choice on their Web sites as to whether and
how your personal information is used. These companies allow you to
decline — or "opt out of" — having personal information, such
as an email address, used for marketing purposes or shared with other
companies. Look for this choice as part of the company's posted privacy
policy. A good policy will also provide a way in which you can correct
inaccurate information about yourself.
Check sites for an assurance seal
You can feel safe and secure shopping with a Web site that has earned
and displays a WebTrust or SysTrust seal. Granted by a licensed accountant,
the WebTrust and SysTrust seals assure you that a site complies with
a stringent set of Principles and Criteria covering the site's business
practice disclosures, information protection controls, security procedures
and customer complaint resolution procedures. It is a symbol that tells
you it is safe to shop here.
What to do if your online privacy has been
violated or you have been a victim of online fraud
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection
strives to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive or fraudulent
practices, including on the Internet. The FTC publishes brochures on
topics such as automobiles, credit, health and fitness, investments,
products, services and telemarketing. If you believe you have been victim
of online fraud or privacy violations, contact the Consumer Response
Center at the FTC toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP or through
the Internet at www.ftc.gov. You can also contact the National Consumer
League's National Fraud Information Center located at P.O.
Box 65068, Washington, D.C. 20035, call toll-free at 1-800-876-7060
or visit their Web site at www.fraud.org.
