Many
of us are spending money online but we keep hearing
reports of credit cards information being stolen online.
In fact, reports of credit card info belonging to Bill
Gates and Bill Clinton being hacked into during a recent
conference in Switzerland really highlighted the dangers
of using credit cards online (though it was an isolated
incident).
However,
shopping online is generally safe. It is at least as safe
as handing your credit card to a store clerk or a waiter
at a restaurant. As long as you follow certain procedures
-- and some common sense -- you can cut the risks considerably.
My
top tips:
1.
BE SURE YOU ARE IN A SECURE SITE: Look for the closed
padlock graphic on the bottom right of your browser when
you are about to place your order. It tells you if you
are using the merchant's secure server.
2.
GUARD PERSONAL INFORMATION: Safeguard your passwords,
using different ones for various sites. Merchants should
never ask for bank account details or social security
numbers.
3.
READ THE PRIVACY POLICY: The privacy policy should tell
you what the merchant is doing with your information and
whether it will be rented to other companies.
4.
USE CREDIT CARDS WISELY: If you can, use just one card
for online purchases, so you can track your purchases.
5.
PRINT OUT EACH ORDER WITH CONFIRMATION NUMBER: That way
you have a ready reference when if you need to call them.
Also see if they will e-mail your a receipt.
6.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK: I say this a lot... Read about developments
in shopping technology and be aware of scams that pop
up from time to time. See below for a list of resources
you should check into.
Resources:
