Smart cybershoppers will continue to take sensible precautions,
just as they have always done when making purchases over the telephone
and even at shops around their hometowns. To minimize any risk associated
with using credit cards, here are some "common sense"
practices to keep in mind:
Use a secure browser to navigate the World Wide Web
With browsers, such as Netscape Navigator (version 2.0 or higher),
Microsoft Explorer, and America On-Line, you can be sure the information
you send over the Internet cannot be intercepted by a third party
when shopping at a secured site.
Make certain that the on line merchants use industry security
standards
That "lock and key" mark, for example, indicates that
a merchant uses SSL (Security Socket Layer), which ensures that
your communication is secured.
Be familiar with the online company
The more you know about a particular merchant, the more confident
you will feel when shopping from the merchant's Web site. This
is no different than how one assesses companies with physical
storefronts and catalogs.
Be sure to get all the information about the company's return
and refund policies before placing an order
These policies usually can be found on the merchant's Web page.
If a merchant doesn't post such information, it may be a good
idea to shop elsewhere.
Look for privacy statements
Be sure to understand a merchant's privacy policies.
Keep your passwords private
Some merchants ask you to create personal accounts with them,
and keeping private passwords is essential. Never share passwords
with anyone and avoid using easy-to-guess passwords, such as your
telephone number or your birth date. Use combinations of numbers
and letters of at least six characters and change them periodically.
Maintain a hardcopy record of all your on-line purchases
Back up your transactions by printing your confirmation order
screen or e-mail document.
By following these few basic guidelines, shopping in the virtual
world can be easy, safe and fun.
