Online Shopping:
Better Safe than Sorry
Buying online is quick and convenient.
So, why do some consumers still brave the hassles of
brick-and-mortar shopping? The number one reason is
security. According to the National Consumers League,
consumers lost over $32 million last year to various forms
of Internet fraud. From credit card information theft to
dishonest merchants, these real risks have spooked
otherwise Web-savvy computer users from shopping online.
Quality online shops are working to
match the level of credibility and accountability many
brick-and-mortar stores deliver. Encryption software,
watch groups and rating systems are just a few measures
now being implemented to help protect online shoppers.
However, to shop safely, consumers may have to forgo some
of the impulse purchasing that has largely defined online
sales. Distinguishing safe from unsafe sites requires a
little investigating. Still, it takes far less time and
effort to become a prudent online shopper than find
parking at the local mall!
Is This Site Secure?
Any legitimate shopping site should have a "secure
server" that encrypts payment information as it
travels from the user's server to the merchant's. To tell
whether a site's secure, look for at least one of these
indicators:
- A pop-up window that informs
shoppers, as they proceed to check-out, that they're
about to enter a secure site.
- A URL with an "s" at the
end of http:// so the site reads, https://
- For Internet Explorer users, a lock
icon that appears on the bottom navigation bar.
- For Netscape Navigator users, a
closed lock icon that appears on the bottom navigation
bar (unlocked means the site is not secure).
If a site says it's secure, but doesn't
display any of the above signs, contact the stated
security provider to make sure. Never enter any payment
information on a site that doesn't have a secure server.
Who Can You Trust?
In addition to providing a secure server, reliable sites
adhere to the following general security practices:
- Clearly posts detailed information on
warranty and return policy.
- Indicates shipping and, if
applicable, sales tax costs.
- Prominently lists all contact
information including names, address, phone numbers,
etc.
- Replies quickly to email inquiries.
If a site has a message board, check for
active repeat users (a good sign), or negative comments
(clearly a bad sign). Also, trustworthy sites often have a
policy against selling illegal or inappropriate products.
Several watchdog organizations including
the Better Business
Bureau and CPA
WebTrust have developed their own criteria for rating
secure sites and will grant a seal of approval to those
e-business sites that comply. The consumer newsgroup,
Misc.consumer provides a comprehensive list of
disreputable commerce sites, and the Internet Fraud Watch
offers information on bogus promotions and potential
scams.
Play It Safe
Don't leave your security completely in the hands of the
merchant. Even when shopping on secure sites, it's wise to
take the following basic precautionary steps:
- Always use a credit card to make
online purchases. Debit cards, cash, checks and money
orders almost never offer the same degree of consumer
protection.
- Some sites allow the shopper to
create an account, so they won't have to reenter their
information each time they make a purchase. If the
account requires a password, make sure the password is
at least eight characters long and combines upper and
lowercase letters, numbers and characters.
- Think twice before establishing a
one-click shopping account on a computer that numerous
users access, as they'll be able to use your account
as well.
- Always keep a printed record of
online purchases that states when and how much you
spent.
- Never release your social security
number to an online vendor -- even if they say they
need it.
- Don't buy very expensive collectables
online.
- Never buy at a site that charges a
restocking fee -- a charge for returned items.
Installing Peace of Mind
An increasing number of people who shop online from home
computers are beginning to install small-scale security
solutions similar to those that large corporations use.
The need to protect personal and financial information
stored in a home computer is especially great for users
with a broadband connection such as DSL, ISDN or cable
modem. Solutions such as firewall software can help
prevent hackers from entering personal files and stealing
valuable information. Internet filtering software, such as
Norton
Internet Security 2003, can ensure that the user's
browser transmits credit card information only to sites
with a secure server. In addition, Internet filtering
software can help protect privacy by preventing children
from transmitting specified personal information.
While no online or offline shopping
experience is ever 100% reliable, you'll stand much more
than a fighting chance against Internet fraud if you
always look for a secure server sign, and use common sense
before making any purchase. Remember that a flashy looking
Web site isn't necessarily legitimate. One that has a good
reputation, clearly posts possible hidden costs and
responds quickly to customer inquiries is generally
trustworthy and reliable.
If, in the event you are the victim of
online fraud, report the incident to the National
Fraud Center, (800) 876-7060.
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