23 April, 2008
There are ways to make sure
you are shopping safely online, writes Paul Boggia
I can
see the convenience of buying my supplies over the internet, but I’m worried
about security. How can I shop safely online?
Many people feel uncomfortable shopping over the
internet. However if you take a few precautions, shopping online can actually
be safer than using your credit card in a restaurant.
·
Shopping on public computers or over public
networks is dangerous. Various techniques are used to spy on you. To avoid this,
shop at home.
·
Get the basics in place. Clean your computer with
free software that detects spyware (www.pctools.com) and install a firewall (www.zonelabs.com).
Ensure you’re using an anti-virus application (www.free.grisoft.com),
or an all in one solution (www.avast.com).
·
If the shop is unknown, and a Google of the name
reveals nothing, shop elsewhere.
·
A web browser will ignore anything written to the
left of an @ sign, and direct you somewhere different. If this is in the URL,
don’t visit it.
·
Read the seller’s privacy policy to find out how
the information may be used.
·
Browsers ‘Auto Complete’ features are handy, but
they aren’t great for battling fraudsters. Turn them off, and delete any
previously saved usernames and passwords.
·
Ensure your browser is updated to take advantage of
advances in encryption capabilities.
·
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. Alternatively, sign up for
a Paypal account. Paypal acts as a trusted intermediary, and therefore you
don’t have to give out any card details.
·
Look for the padlock icon on the status bar at the
bottom of your browser window, which indicates that the site is secure. This
should be paired with an s added to the usual http (“https://”) at the
beginning of the Web site's URL when you get ready to submit your purchase
information.
·
Another option that limits your card’s exposure is
to use a gift card or prepaid credit card instead (www.which-prepaid-card.co.uk).
They don’t offer the same protection, but they are ideal for making small
purchases.
·
Review your statements each month for unauthorized
charges.