How to Shop Online Securely

By eHow Internet Editor

Rate: (8 Ratings)

With technological advances like SSL and SET, shopping in the virtual world can be as safe today as shopping anywhere else. As in any sales environment, use prudence and common sense in your purchasing decisions. These recommendations come courtesy of Visa.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Credit Cards And Loans
  • Receipts
  • Secure Web Sites

Step1
Shop with online merchants that you know and trust. You can find out about a merchant you are not familiar with by visiting its Web site and reading guarantees, warranties and return information.
Step2
Look for signs of security on the site. Symbols like an unbroken lock or key, a URL that begins with https:// and the words "Secure Socket Layer" (SSL) mean that no one but you and the merchant can view your payment information.
Step3
Take a look at privacy statements to see how your personal information will be used. The most reliable online merchants will always make this information easily available.
Step4
Pay for your purchase with a credit card or check card. You will be protected in exactly the same way you are when you use your card at the store, order from a catalog by mail, or call in an order over the phone.
Step5
Keep a record of your transaction. Save and/or print the online confirmation of your order.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you have a question about a merchant on the Web, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Online for information.
  • Some merchants ask you to create a personal account that requires a password to enter an order. This is a secure method as long as you always keep your password private, create passwords that are hard to figure out (avoiding numbers like your birthdate, phone number or social security number) and change your passwords often.
  • If you feel uncomfortable entering credit card information online, look for merchants that will also accept payment by phone, fax or mail.
  • You should never send payment information via e-mail. Information that travels over the Internet as regular electronic mail is not fully protected from being read from outside parties.
  • If a merchant asks for your credit card number as proof of your age, do not give it. Your age cannot be verified with a credit card number.

Comments

| View All Comments

howboy said

Flag This Comment

on 12/14/2006 you could use third party merchants like paypal, that way not everyone knows your credi card details

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 1/25/2006 Open an account with your bank that is just for net purchases. Make sure there's a debit/credit card associated with the account. Also paying with PayPal or any other go between payment service is good too.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Some stores, like Wal-mart, sell gift cards in their stores that can be used on their website. I've done it many times and it's great!

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Shop Online Securely

eHow Internet Editor

eHow Internet Editor

Category: Internet

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Internet

Veesites
Meet Virginia DeBolt eHow’s Internet Expert.