Online Shopping Safety Tips
When shopping online there are several things you can do to add to your shopping safety. Being aware of technology scams, checking website policies and understanding your credit card rights, will go a long way in providing personal protection.
Here are a few tips to help you make sure your online shopping experience is as finanically and personally safe as possible.
1. Make sure you have a secure server
Make sure you are using a secure server and browser with industry security standards before you enter credit card information online. Make sure your browser is a recent version so the information that you are sending is secure.
2. Have a look at the return policy
When shopping we all hope that we get what we expect but sometimes there are problems that arise with what we ordered. 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 should be aware of this risk before finalising an order.
3. Use a credit card rather than a debit card
Credit cards tend to be safer for shopping as financial institutions will typically offer a secure fair trading policy. For Visa, there is a Verified by Visa facility for Mastercard enquire about SecureCode services. Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode are services typically included at no extra cost that provide extra protection when you shop online using a Visa Card or MasterCard. This protection is similar to entering your PIN at an ATM.
4. Use a secure password
The passwords that you create should be something that no one could ever guess. Because you have to remember your password, the temptation to make passwords easy to remember often leads to trouble. Creating passwords that contain your name or nickname, your dog's name or something that is commonly known are too easy for someone else to guess.
5. Print and file all necessary Information about your order/purchsae
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.
More tips to come tomorrow...
Here are a few tips to help you make sure your online shopping experience is as finanically and personally safe as possible.
1. Make sure you have a secure server
Make sure you are using a secure server and browser with industry security standards before you enter credit card information online. Make sure your browser is a recent version so the information that you are sending is secure.
2. Have a look at the return policy
When shopping we all hope that we get what we expect but sometimes there are problems that arise with what we ordered. 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 should be aware of this risk before finalising an order.
3. Use a credit card rather than a debit card
Credit cards tend to be safer for shopping as financial institutions will typically offer a secure fair trading policy. For Visa, there is a Verified by Visa facility for Mastercard enquire about SecureCode services. Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode are services typically included at no extra cost that provide extra protection when you shop online using a Visa Card or MasterCard. This protection is similar to entering your PIN at an ATM.
4. Use a secure password
The passwords that you create should be something that no one could ever guess. Because you have to remember your password, the temptation to make passwords easy to remember often leads to trouble. Creating passwords that contain your name or nickname, your dog's name or something that is commonly known are too easy for someone else to guess.
5. Print and file all necessary Information about your order/purchsae
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.
More tips to come tomorrow...
