· Despite the many concerns, some now argue that it
is actually safer to buy online than buying
over the phone or handing your credit card
over to someone in a shop. This is because
if the online payment is handled properly
your banking details will be "encrypted",
which means they cannot be viewed by anyone
other than those handling the transaction -
usually the banks.
· If you're
still unsure, Card Watch, the UK banking
group that works with the police and
retailers to stop credit card fraud, offer
the following "top ten tips" when buying
online:
· Make sure
your web-browser (that's the software that
you use to view websites, most commonly
Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox) is
set to the highest level of security
notification and monitoring. These options
are not always automatically activated when
your computer is set-up, so check your
manual or the "Help" option.
· Check you
are using a recent version of your
web-browser as they often include better
security features - up-to-date versions can
be downloaded free from the Microsoft or
Netscape or Mozilla websites. If you have a
different browser or use on-line services
such as AOL or CompuServe, contact your ISP
(Internet Service Provider) or software
supplier to find out how to activate their
security features.
· Before
purchasing from a website, make a record of
the retailer's contact details, including a
street address and landline phone number. If
these details are not available on the
website, consider going elsewhere to buy, do
not rely on the e-mail address alone.
· Do not
enter personal details unless the security
icon is displayed (this is a small padlock
that normally appears at the bottom of your
browser when you begin your transaction over
the Internet). You can click on the padlock
to see if the retailer has an encryption
certificate. This should explain the type
and extent of security and encryption it
uses. Only use companies that have an
encryption certificate and use secure
transaction technology. The address of the
page where you enter personal details should
also start https://.
· If you have
any queries or concerns, telephone the
company before giving them your card details
to reassure yourself that it is legitimate.
· Print out
your order and consider keeping copies of
the retailer's terms and conditions and
returns policy. Be aware that there may well
be additional charges such as postage and
VAT. When buying from overseas always err on
the side of caution and remember that it may
be difficult to seek redress if problems
arise.
· Check
statements from your bank or card issuer
carefully as soon as you receive them. Raise
any discrepancies with the retailer
concerned in the first instance. If you find
any transaction on your statement that you
are certain you did not make, contact your
card issuer immediately.
· Ensure that
you are fully aware of any payment
commitments you are entering into, including
whether you are instructing a single payment
or a series of payments.
· Never
disclose your card's PIN number to anyone,
including people claiming to be from your
bank or the police, and never write it down
or send it over the Internet.
If you have
any doubts about using your card, find
another method of payment
