How to Make Secure Payments Online

As the high price of gas curtails customers' abilities to drive to stores and businesses for shopping, banking, and paying bills, more people are using credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, and store-valued cards to make Internet charges instead. While businesses are working hard to keep your personal information safe and your transactions secure, no one can completely control deception on the Internet. To keep your private information private and your money protected, you need to recognize Internet fraud, learn how to avoid it, and report it as soon as it happens.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Credit card and bank statements
• Records of online transactions

Instructions

1. Use the latest version of Secure Browser. Secure Browser is software that guards the security of information transmitted to a website using an encrypting or scrambling system. You can buy the newest version or download free from the Internet.

2. Watch for the "lock" icon on the status bar of the browser when submitting information. Watch for "https" in the URL address to be sure transmitted information is safe.

3. Install a good firewall to your computer before using the internet. You can purchase a firewall from a manufacturer or download free from the Internet.

4. Check the privacy policy of the website before providing personal financial information. Find out how your information will be used. Look at the bottom of the home page, in the "About" section, or in the "FAQs" section of the site to find privacy and security information. If you do not like the policy, leave the site.

5. Disclose personal information, such as your address, phone number, e-mail address, Social Security number, bank account or credit card number, to qualified persons and or organizations. Only provide payment information to businesses you know and trust.

6. Purchase items only after you've read and understood the refund and shipping policy.

7. Keep accurate records of all online transactions. If you've made a transaction, check your e-mail for confirmation of the transaction.

8. Check your bank and credit card statements and compare with your records. If you think someone is using your account(s), notify the bank immediately. The Fair Credit Billing Act and Electronic Fund Transfer Act were passed to protect consumers who have lost a credit or debit card, or wish to dispute an error or unauthorized charge.

9. Open a bank or credit card account only for online transactions. This keeps your other financial information safe if you become a victim of Internet fraud. Sign up and make payments through a website that allows you to set up an account with your bank or credit card to transfer funds. Paypal is currently one of the more popular websites that allow you to make secure payments.

Tips & Warnings

• Call the Federal Trade Commision at 1-877-382-4357 to file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues.

• Don't give your password to anyone online, even an Internet service provider.

Resources

• Federal Trade Commision Website
• Set up an account to make and receive secure payments
• make secure payments online
• make secure payments online
• find what you want online with google and use google check out to pay safely online.