How To Shop Online More Safely?

1. Make sure the business is legitimate

• Buy from reputable stores and sellers. If you have doubts, choose another company.
• Always look for a phone number
• Talk to people who have bought online

2. Look for third-party seals of approval

• Companies can put seals on their sites if they abide by a set of rigorous standards—such as how personal information can be used.
• Look for payment seals, and local publishers seals ie http://www.opa.org.za/
• If you see the seals, click them to make sure they link to the organization that created them. Some unscrupulous merchants will put these logos on their sites without permission.

3. Make sure the Web site uses encryption

• On the Web page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an “s” after http in the Web address of that page. It should read: https://. (Encryption is a security measure that scrambles data as it traverses the Internet.)
• Also make sure there is a tiny closed padlock in the address bar, or on the lower right corner of the window.

4. Keep your Web browser updated

• Internet Explorer 7 and 8 provide another layer of protection with sites that use Extended Validation (EV) Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates. An EV SSL certificate not only helps ensures that the communication with a Web site is secure, it also includes information about the owner of the Web site, which has been identified by the Certification Authority (CA) issuing the SSL Certificate. The address bar turns green and has both https and the closed padlock.

5. Get the Details:

• Check for expected delivery dates, shipping and handling fees, warranties, return policies, and other important information. Look for an email address to write to (or a phone number to call) if you have a question, a problem, or if you need help. Store and Shopping merchants that they post all of this pertinent information on their “Information” pages and that they stay in touch with customers using the email and order-tracking tools that we provide.

6. Keep Good Records:

• Make sure to print or save electronically any records related to your online transactions. This will help you keep track of shipping dates, shipping and handling fees, and other details of your transactions.

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How to safely shop online

Internet shopping is now one of our favourite ways of splurging our cash, and why shouldn’t it be? It’s easy, convenient, it enables you to do a thorough search before you buy, plus it has the added bonus that you can do it all from the comfort of your own couch. However, if you are unfamiliar with internet shopping you should have some idea of what you’re doing! Before you start shopping on the internet, the first thing to do is to make sure you’re familiar with online security.

Ensure that you have installed spyware and antivirus software. This is extremely important as without it you are leaving yourself open and vulnerable to hackers, who cruise around looking for people silly enough not to have invested in any protection software! This software will protect the personal information that you have to enter into your computer in order to go shopping online.

‘Safe’ websites use encryption technology which prevents hackers from running away with your personal information! Sounds scary doesn’t it? And it is ? every year thousands of peoples identities are stolen, and we are simply making it easier and easier for the hackers if we are not as careful as possible. Every webpage starts with http:// – to find this look in the address bar. To make sure a website is secure look to make sure this has changed to https:// which indicates a secure website. In addition, some websites have a closed padlock icon on the bottom right hand side of the page.

Never enter you personal information in pop-up screens. Your antivirus software will try and prevent you from doing this by blocking a lot of pop-up boxes, and it does this for a very good reason. Genuine companies will not ask for private information in this manner.

Always shop with reputable retailers ? ideally you should know of them, and their reliability and when you are making your purchase make sure you don’t leave the computer unsupervised half way through the process, as someone else could come along and steal your information! Make sure to print out the details of your transaction for your records and log out at the end of your session. Keep the details of the company to hand until your purchase has arrived in the post, and most reputable companies enable you to track your purchase online.

Credit cards are the best way to pay for your purchases as there is the hope that you will get your money back if the purchase falls through, or if someone uses your card to make unauthorised charges. Never provide details of your passport or your national insurance number ? this information is most definitely not necessary to make a purchase, even if it is a flight or holiday that you’re indulging in!

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how to shop online for christmas safely

 
1. Always use a credit card
if something goes wrong, the credit card company is “jointly and severally” liable with the retailer. This covers anything costing between £100 and £30,000 that you buy using your credit card.
In practice this means that if goods fail to turn up or are faulty you should first try to get your money back from the company from which you made the purchase. However, if you are unsuccessful or the firm has gone out of business, you have the right to reclaim your money from the card issuer.
 
 
2. Use credit cards that offer an extended warranty
Using the right credit card could mean you are protected against theft or damage or get free extended warranty cover.

 
3. Check if your credit card offers an internet guarantee
It means you are covered against the cost of fraudulent transactions online, although the exact terms and conditions vary between issuers.

 
4. Not all debit cards provide dispute procedures if things go wrong.
Debit cards generally do not offer internet protection, purchase protection or extended warranties. Neither are your transactions covered by Section 75, because purchases using debit cards are not strictly speaking credit arrangements.
Although both Visa and Mastercard now have arrangements so that disputed debit card payments can be investigated, not all banks have followed suit, and such arrangements are certainly not available if you use a Maestro card.

 
5. Check your computer before and after buying online
Ensure that your computer is protected by up-to-date anti-virus software, that you are using the latest versions of your operating system and web browser and that you have a personal “firewall” – software to repel hackers – installed and turned on.
Always log out after shopping online, especially if you share your computer with other people.

 
6. Check out the company you are buying from
Make sure the company has a geographical address, as well as one in cyberspace, and a landline telephone number, and keep a record of these details – especially if the firm is based abroad. Do not assume that an internet company is based in Britain just because its web address has “com” in it.
Although shopping from overseas websites is relatively safe, it may be difficult to enforce your contract if things go wrong. It is generally better to use retailers and services you know about – or ones that have been personally recommended to you.
 
7. Check terms and conditions relating to payment, delivery and cancellation rights
There should be a list of terms and conditions on every retailer’s website. If you cannot find them, it’s probably better to shop elsewhere. However, when you buy online there is usually a seven-day “cooling off” period during which you can cancel your order.

8. Be security conscious
When making online payments, check that the website is secure, as indicated by a padlock icon displayed in the browser frame on your computer screen (normally at the bottom). Also check that the “http” web prefix has changed to “https”, where the “s” stands for secure.
Do not use the same password on every website. Pick three or four and vary them. You should never write down passwords or personal identification numbers (Pins), and never divulge them in response to unsolicited emails.

9. Register your cards with “Verified by Visa” or “Mastercard SecureCode” to give an extra level of protection.
These schemes require you to verify an additional password, which protects against your card being used by someone else. They also provide you with a code to confirm that the firm you are dealing with is known to the credit card company.

 
10. Keep copies of all paperwork
If there is a dispute, you will need to have all the evidence and proof. Print off any emails you might receive relating to your purchase, such as your confirmation order or advice of delivery dates.

You Can Safely Shop Online

When it comes to shopping online, there are still people who have safety concerns. They are afraid of sending their information “out there,” not really knowing where it is going. However, with a few precautions, online shopping can often be safer than using your credit card in person.

Take a few steps to recognize the warning signs of fraud and take steps to avoid being a victim. One of the best ways to protect yourself is by being informed. Just as you are aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM machine, you should be cautious with your online dealings.

Never give out your credit card information in response to an email. If you don’t know why you are being asked for your credit card, don’t give your information. Unless you are sure who is asking for your information, why they are asking for it and how it will be used, don’t type a word or number.

Make sure that you have downloaded the most recent version of your browser in order to take advantage of advances in encryption capabilities. These capabilities protect your personal information as it is transmitted online.

When on any secure site, you will notice two things that tell you that the page is safe:

There will be a padlock icon on the status bar at the bottom of your browser window.

The page address will begin with an “https.” This indicates that the server is secure.

Before you submit your personal information to a site, make sure you read the privacy policy to see how your information will be used. The privacy policy will tell you if your information will be sold or shared with other businesses. If you are uneasy with what you read in the policy, don’t submit your information.

When shopping online, use your credit card for purchases. Debit cards do not give you the same protections as credit cards when it comes to liability and fraudulent usage. You are safer using your credit card.

Make sure that your computer has software that detects spyware. Install a firewall or a security program that will ensure that spyware isn’t installed on your computer. Keep your computer in healthy working order. This will make it easier to protect your information.

When shopping online, you have to use your common sense, just like when shopping in person. Don’t give out information to anyone you don’t know and make sure that site is secure. If you are uneasy about giving out your information online, you can always call a company’s customer service to conduct the final transactions over the telephone.

Shopping online is a great way to find a virtually anything you are looking for. It is quick, easy and great for those unable to spend a lot of time browsing the mall in person. By becoming aware of Internet security issues, you will be able to take advantage of online shopping safely.

Shop Safely – How to Protect yourself When Shopping Online

Online shopping offers many benefits that you won’t find shopping in a brick and mortar store or by mail. The Internet is always open seven days a week and 24 hours a day. Internet-only deals and bargains can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail. Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.

1. While Online Order Only On A Secure Server.

Use a secure browser and shop only at websites that offer encryption protection. A protected website will have one or more of these three features:

a) The small lock or key symbol at the bottom of your browser window;

b) An address that starts with https (“s” for “secure”) instead of just http; and

c) A security warning box that pops up at the point of purchase.

Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction.

2. Pay The Safest Way.

Use a credit card or Debit Card with a safe online shopping guarantee. Look for a card with specific guarantees, like 100% coverage for any losses due to fraud when shopping on the Internet. Many companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.

3. Protect Your Privacy.

Look for and read a website’s privacy and security policy. Stay clear of a website that either doesn’t have one or does not guarantee your personal information will not be sold. This policy should disclose what information is being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used.

4. Know Who You’re Dealing With.

Research your merchant. Look at the ratings consumers give them and stay clear of websites that either aren’t listed or receive poor marks. Shop with companies you know. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalogue or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Also, determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web site.

5. Keep A Record.

Print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records. Reputable merchants will usually send you an email confirming your order. However a hard copy is always good to have in case your order is lost, deleted or not delivered as promised.

6. Guard Your Online Password.

Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a password, and never share your website passwords with anyone. Write them down and store them in a safe place. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Do not use the same username and password at every website. Should your personal information be compromised, a thief won’t get very far if you use different passwords and usernames on different websites.

7. Track Your Purchases.

Use only one credit card to shop with online. This helps keep track of your online purchases during the holidays, and will make it easier to spot purchases that are fraudulent. Look for a card that allows you to review transactions online as well — you’ll be more likely to notice a problem early on.

8. Keep Personal Information Private.

Don’t enter more information at a merchant website than is absolutely necessary. There is usually no reason why you should have to supply information such as birth dates or Social Security numbers when making a purchase. Fill in only the bare essentials necessary to make your purchase. If you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal – or family – information online.

Tips For Buying A Diamond Ring Online Safely And Securely

There are a number of reasons why it makes sense to purchase a diamond ring online, as opposted to your local jewelry store. The biggest reason is pretty simple, lower prices. Due to significantly lower overhead and operating costs, online jewelry shops can afford to offer lower prices to their customers.

Another great benefit to purchasing jewelry online is a wider, unlimited selection. An offline retail store is only capable of carrying a limited amount of inventory in a store at one time. Websites do not have that inventory limitation.

Before you begin shopping online, you should learn as much as possible about diamond rings first. Color, clarity, cut, and carat weights are a few important things to focus on. The more knowledgeable about diamonds you are, the less likely it is for you to get ripped off and the more likely it you get a superb deal.

Once you are ready to start shopping online, you will want to take your time. You definitely do not want to purchase the first diamond ring you find that strikes your eye. If you find one that you like, do some comparison shopping on several websites to find the best deals. Once you have found the perfect ring and the best deal on that ring, there are a few precautionary steps you should take.

Inquire about the online jeweler’s credentials, checking to see if they are members of any professional jewelry associations. Ask about any additional services and the cost for those services like settings, mountings, and sizing. Check out some consumer reviews of the company online to see what customers are saying about them. It also wouldn’t hurt to get in touch with the BBB Online to see if any complaints have been filed.

The previously mentioned steps are sufficient for most people. However, if you want to be extra cautious or you are spending an exorbitant amount of money on a ring, there are a few additional steps you can take. You can request a diamond grading report from an independent testing lab like GIA, EGL, HRD, or AGS to ensure the diamond’s quality.

Another precautionary step you can take is to use an escrow service to facilitate the transaction. The seller will send the diamond ring to the escrow service and you will send payment to the escrow service. The escrow service will appraise the ring and than send it to you, and also send payment to the seller. This is definitely the safest way to buy jewelry or anything expensive online.

If you do a little research before purchasing, you will surely end up getting the perfect diamond ring at an unbeatable price.

Shopping Online Safely – Steps I Take To Protect Myself

The dangers of online shopping are well known. Horror stories abound of people who have lost loads of money while shopping online. You may be tempted to shun all online shopping, because you just don’t want to take the risk.

However, as our lives become and more intertwined with activities on the Internet, it will become increasingly hard to avoid all online financial transactions. Instead of avoiding the issue, why not take steps to protect yourself?

I’ll outline steps I take to limit my online risk. Following these steps are no guarantee that I’ll never lose money. But they greatly reduce the chances that I will lose significant amounts of money with my online activities.

To start it’s important to recognize two levels of risk:

1. My Immediate Purchase Risk – the risk that I will lose money with the transaction I am currently making.

2. My After-the-Fact Financial Risk – the risk that my financial information will be stolen and used subsequent to the transaction I am currently making, possibly repeatedly.

While both kinds of risk are important, the second can lead to far greater losses of money than the first. We’ll cover steps to avoid both kinds of losses, but you’ll want to be especially diligent about lowering your After-the-Fact financial risk.

Reducing My Immediate Purchase Risk

In making a purchase, the merchant’s reputation is everything. When I consider purchasing from an unfamiliar online merchant, I do my my best to establish that the merchant has a good reputation. Most legitimate retailers work hard to avoid cheating their customers, and their reputation will reflect that effort.

Reputation on Online Auctions

With online auctions, establishing a merchant’s reputation is usually pretty easy. Generally each seller will have a score indicating how well they’ve done in satisfying their customers. Don’t under estimate the value of this information. It’s very revealing. I usually make sure that the seller has been involved in a large number of transactions — no less than 30 — but a much higher number if I want to be really safe.

Further I read the feedback that the seller has received from their buyers. It’s important to take particular note of any neutral or negative comments. If the percentage of negative comments is greater than a couple percent, I will probably avoid this seller. Additionally, if the negative comment percentage is low, but there is a consistent theme of poor shipping performance or of buyers not receiving what they expected, I also will likely move on.

Reputation Through the Better Business Bureau

If the merchant is not selling through an auction, establishing it’s reputation takes more work. I’ll usually take a quick look at the Better Business Bureau web site for online businesses (http://www.bbbonline.org). It’s pretty rare to find an online merchant listed there, but if it is listed and it has poor performance, I immediately know to avoid it.

Further, if I can find the physical address of the business, I can use the main Better Business Bureau web site (http://welcome.bbb.org/) to find the local Better Business Bureau responsible for the merchant’s geographic area. Many times the local Better Business Bureau will have a listing for the online merchant.