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Written by Fred Thiele
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Friday, 07 December 2007 14:30 |
The holiday season is upon us once again, and for most of us this is a joyous time spent with family, friends and going shopping at all our favorite stores. Online shopping has become pervasive and easier than ever, yet with this convenience comes the increased risk of personal data theft and fraud. Laconic Security would like to offer some practical tips to help make your online shopping experience more secure and enjoyable.
- Only enter your personal details, including your credit card number, on web sites secured with SSL (those sites that have https in the address bar).
- If in doubt, check the credibility of the merchant through a site such as the Better Business Bureau. Sites such as Nextag have reviews of online retailers from consumers who have bought from them. If you are buying from Ebay, ensure you thoroughly read seller feedback and return policy.
- Always logout of secured sites when you are finished. This is especially important when accessing your on-line bank account.
- Many stores require you to create a password before ordering. It is best to use a distinct password for each online store. A program like Password Safe can help you keep track of multiple passwords.
- Use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible; liability is usually limited to $50 in case of fraud.
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- If you have an issue with a merchant or are interested in other feedback and complaints, a consumer watchdog blog called The Consumerist has many reviews of merchant customer service and can provide information on how to remedy your issue.
- Watch your email for possible fraud or phishing attempts during the holiday season.
- Reconcile your credit card statements to ensure there are no fraudulent transactions or purchases that you did not make.
In closing, we want to invite you to join us in saving a tree. Decline the mail-order catalogs you do not want by going to Catalog Choice.
Happy Holidays!
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