How to Shop Online Safetly

• Use a Secure Server

Make sure you are using a secure server and browser with industry security standards before you enter credit card information online. To determine if you are using a secure server, follow these simple steps:

1. Look at the address in the address bar - it should start with https (NOT http). Https signals that it uses socket layer technology to encrypt your personal data.

2. Look at the bottom of the internet window for a locked padlock. If your status bar at the bottom is not showing, click "View" menu item, then select "Status Bar."

You should also make sure your browser is a newer version so the information that you are sending is secure.

• Use Trusted Companies

Anyone can open a store online in minutes and be gone tomorrow. Make sure you either know of the store or you should research it. Here are some things to research before doing business with an unknown company.

• Make sure there is contact information for the company (business name, address, and telephone number). Compare this with information from the domain register. Go to Internic Whois Enter the domain name (without the www - just name.com) into the "Find A Web Address" box. Make sure it has the contact information for the owner of the domain. Some registrations however, will list who the domain is registered through such as GoDaddy, with just the name of the owner and no contact information.Note:Unfortunately, this will not work for people that have sites created under another domain name such as Geocities.


• Check for a return policy.
• Check to see if there have been any compliants filed against the company with the Better Business Bureau.
• Check to see if they are a member of the Better Business Bureau Online. If they are, chances are the site is legitimate.

• Compare Prices Before Buying

If the price is too low there may be something wrong like it is used or it may be a bait and switch deal.

• Check The Return Policy Before You Order

Check the company's return policy before you order online so you will know what to expect before you order. Some companies offer no returns and you may not want to do business with them.

• Use a Credit Card

Don't use debit cards to shop online - they don't offer the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act which protects you. If you have problems with someone using the card, in most cases you will only be held liable for $50 of the charges and you can protest a charge if you don't get what you ordered.

• Consider Calling In the Order

If you don't feel comfortable entering your credit card information online, then call the company and place your order. In the long run, the cost of a long-distance bill will be smaller than the charges incurred from Credit Card Fraud.

• Print and Keep in your Records Info about Your Order

Print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies. Also print out other information you may need such as return policies, company information, specific product information and warranty information.

• Use Secure Passwords

Where applicable, use passwords that are hard to hack by combining letters and numbers.

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