How to Shop Online Securely

While many people still don't feel comfortable using a credit card to buy online, e-commerce is on the rise and is almost certainly here to stay. If you take a few precautions, buying online can actually be safer than using your credit card in a restaurant!

Simple Rules For Using Your Credit Card Online

Make sure you download the most recent version of your browser.  That way you'll take advantage of advances in encryption capabilities to protect your personal information as it's transmitted over the Net.

Look out for the padlock icon on the status bar at the bottom of your browser window.  This indicates that the site is secure.

It’s a good idea to double click on the padlock and check the certificate for yourself, especially if the site you are visiting is less well-known or if you have any concerns about security.  Only valid certificates issued by approved authorities are trustworthy. Anybody can create a certificate and your browser will warn you if one doesn’t come from the handful of approved issuers.
 

Don’t be fooled by a padlock that appears on the web page itself. It’s easy for fraudsters to copy the image of a padlock!  You need to look for one that is in the window frame of Internet Explorer itself.

Look for an s added to the usual http at the beginning of the Web site's URL when you get ready to submit your purchase information. The https indicates a secure server.

Before submitting personal information to a site, read their privacy policy to find out how the information may be used and whether it will be sold or shared with other businesses. If you don't like what you read, shop somewhere else.

The company should only require personal information that's necessary to complete the purchase. You'll probably enter your credit card number, address, and telephone number. Be wary if they ask for other information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or your mother's maiden name.

Don't provide personal information such as address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number, or e-mail address unless you know who you're providing the information to, why it's being requested, and how it will be used.

Look for the presence of a UK contact address and phone number.

Use a credit card, not a debit card, for Internet purchases. Debit cards don't have the same protection as credit cards when it comes to limiting your liability for fraudulent use.

Make sure there is a clear refund and returns policy.

Carefully review your credit card and bank statement each month for unauthorised charges.  Notify your credit card company or bank immediately if you notice any charges you didn't authorise.

Clean your computer with free online software that detects spyware

Install a firewall, like the free version of Zone Alarm (www.zonelabs.com) or Norton Internet Security to ensure that sites you shop at don't install spyware on your computer.

Logos of reputable payment providers, e.g. Verified by Visa may indicate a secure sight, but are easily copied

Be generally alert - if you don't feel comfortable on a site, it's probably best not to use it.