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- Look For Security On The Vendor Website. Did you find that deal you were looking for? Check to
make sure that the vendor uses a secure site to document the sale. Here's one
way you can tell: there should be a letter "s" behind the
"http" in the web address, and a closed padlock icon to the right of
the browser address. When you click to complete the order and enter your credit
card information, those should be there - if not, browse away to a different
merchant.
- Use A Filter. One way
to guarantee your safety online is to keep your browser updated to the latest
version. This way, you'll have the latest technology when it comes to internet
security. An updated browser will also keep phishing (those
bad guys that try to get your data) filtered out of your computer, making sure
you're safe on the web.
- Check The Vendor's Privacy Policy. What happens to your information once you enter it? How
does the merchant safeguard your credit card and
personal information? The vendor's safety and privacy policy should detail
this; look for it and read it before completing a sale. Some vendors offer to
create an account for you and save your credit card information for easy
ordering. This is convenient, but it also makes shopping very easy - something
you may want to avoid for security
reasons, and to prevent the impulse buy.
- Check Reviews. The great
thing about the internet is the information available: you can check reviews by
other customers & find out if this merchant is on the up-and-up. Does it
deliver on time? Are products as advertised? Look for reviews that don't sound
overly angry & aren't an isolated customer service-type misunderstanding. A
dozen reviews should give you a good idea what to
expect. Also, look for seals of approval by agencies like The Better Business Bureau to confirm a vendor's reputation.
- Read Return Policies. You've
investigated the vendor and found your item of choice at a great price. Time to
buy, right? Make sure you check return policies; since you're buying the item
sight unseen, and it has to be transported, there's always that chance things
don't work out. Make sure you know how this vendor takes returns.
- Keep Receipts. Once you buy your item, you'll want to print out your
receipt (the vendor will give you this option after the transaction goes
through). This will give your sales confirmation - a good way to protect
yourself in case the vendor tries to charge more, or something goes wrong with
delivery. You'll receive this via email too, but print the receipt anyway, just
to cover contingencies.
- The
Bottom Line. Are you ready to shop online? Some estimates have online sales
in the U.S. reaching $52 billion. With these steps, you'll make sure that your information
is secure when shopping online. Then your holiday season can be merry, bright
and cyber safe. (Adopted From http://www.investopedia.com )
