Shopping online has become the wave of the future. No standing in lines, no posted hours to shop and you don't even have to take a shower and get dressed to do it! These are all great advances from the old method of shopping; however, you need to make sure you're safe when doing so. To this end, here are some tips for keeping your online shopping experience a safe one.
- Never buy anything from an unknown company. If they don't have a phone number or address – stay away from them.
- Ensure that whenever you buy a product, you are sent a receipt by email.
- Some card companies are offering virtual credit cards – check into this type of service as it changes card numbers each time a purchase is made.
- Always look for the Veri Sign logo, BBB logo, and the lock on the bottom right corner of the website. This ensures the company is well known, and is using a method to conceal your information.
- Do not apply for credit cards on line. The company may be a bogus one.
- If you have several department store cards, and buy from them online, change your password every month.
- Research the stores you buy from beforehand. Ensure they are credible and have been around for a number of years.
- Shopping online and using your credit card unfortunately leaves you open to hackers. Make sure you have virus protection software installed in your computer, as well as a firewall.
- Change your passwords monthly. Although this can be a huge pain, it will be well worth it in the long run!
- Clear out your cache every time you sign off.
- If you are using a cable modem; unplug the PC cable from the modem every night. Using a cable modem means you are on a network; avoid any hackers from engaging in illegal activity.
1 comment:
great article, thanks! I just submitted it to the new social networking site for parents: www.thebabybug.com
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