Online shopping has advantages for both those who love to shop until they drop and those who avoid the mall like a plague.
If you're one of those people who'd prefer to steer clear of the department stores during the holiday season - online shopping is a gift from heaven. If you're a shopaholic, online shopping brings your favorite stores right into your home.
Of course there are also disadvantages to making purchases over the Internet. You can't try on clothes before you buy, or hold anything in your hands for that matter. You also have to be aware of the different identity theft and security risks that come with the convenience of online shopping.
Here are five guidelines to follow when shopping online:
1. Avoid Public Computers
Don't use a computer at the library or any other location where there's a bank of computers used by the general public. For one thing, you won't know for sure if that network is secure or not. Many computers are also set up to remember information that you enter and automatically fill it in. Not to mention, occasionally we forget to logout. The next person who sits down may be able to access accounts you have setup online.
You can end up entering a lot of personal information when you use the World Wide Web to shop. Not only are you typing in your address and phone number, you're also entering debit and credit card numbers or even checking account numbers.
You never know who is trying to hack into the computer you're using or even just looking over your shoulder. That's why you should wait until you get home to do your online shopping.
2. Never Enter Your Social Security Number
Just like when you order personal checks, your social security number should never be used to shop online.
If a website asks you to enter your SSN in order to purchase a product or service - go to a different site to make your order. Your social security number should remain confidential in almost every situation.
Identity thieves can use your SSN to open new lines of credit in your name and commit other types of fraud that could create huge problems for your personal finances.
3. Use Your Credit Card
We certainly believe that credit cards can get you into financial, but we also realize that in many cases it's not possible to use personal checks for online purchases.
Credit Cards are the safest choice because you can dispute charges with your credit card company if you're unable to resolve issues with the online seller first. That way if you get a product that is deficient, or the order never even shows up - you can get your money back.
Credit cards also offer protection that limits your liability to $50 when someone makes unauthorized purchases with your account number. Most debit cards do not offer this protection, but it's worth checking into as some do provide the option.
Personal checks are an option with some online companies or services such as eBay. However, you'll most likely be asked to wait until your check clears before your order is shipped.
4. Keep Your Browser Updated
You know those annoying little messages that pop up telling you to download the latest version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or whatever browser you're using? Don't ignore them.
They often contain important updates to protect you from hackers and viruses. Take the extra 60 seconds to run the update and keep your personal information safe and secure from online identity thieves.
It's also smart to keep your anti-virus software updated.
5. Look for Signs of Online Security
There are a few things you can look for on the websites you use to shop online that assure you they are secure.
Never make a purchase on a site that does not list its physical address or a phone number. Call the number to make sure it is a legitimate company. If there's no phone number or address to be found it could very well be an internet scam.
The "https" at the beginning of a URL indicates the page is secure. However, it's not necessarily a guarantee.
You should also look for a padlock image when you are visiting a page in which you enter personal information - such as the shopping cart page. Be aware that a lock displayed on a website is not the same as the lock image actually appearing on your browser.
Third party endorsements from web security companies like Verisign and McAfee can indicate that a site is taking steps to ensure you have a safe online shopping experience.
Check Advantage uses both services to make sure you stay secure when you order personal checks and business checks online.
However, you should double check the validity of the association by clicking on the logo and seeing if it leads to an actual certificate authenticating the online company's connection with the service.
100% Satisfaction If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, please contact us immediately. We promise to take care of it.
100% Secure Check Advantage partners with McAfee & VeriSign to ensure all personal data remains safe. Click seals to verify and learn more.
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