| The shopping seasons means great bonanzas for | | | | Protect your privacy by filling forms online carefully. |
| retailers online and offline. With the conveniences of | | | | 5. Use single use credit cards to make purchases |
| the internet and great savings promised more and | | | | online. These are provided by your credit card |
| more shoppers buy online. | | | | company and the numbers are different from those |
| Buyers can buy homes, cars, durables, electronics, | | | | on your regular card. Most credit card companies offer |
| books, toys and much more. The internet offers a | | | | information on how to prevent credit card fraud, read |
| wide range of choices as well as instant comparison | | | | through these with a fine tooth comb including the fine |
| of products using deal comparison websites. | | | | print. |
| According to experts all shoppers must be aware of: | | | | 6. Ensure maximum security by updating your |
| 1. Internet safety; it is important that your browser | | | | anti-virus and spam protection tools. Never use |
| should comply with security standards that are | | | | unsafe websites and always type in web addresses |
| recommended; the browser must be SSL or SET | | | | on your own web browser. Never click on links given in |
| secure. This means that all information such as | | | | emails or advertisements. Always create a separate |
| purchases made online will be encrypted or scrambled. | | | | email address for online news letters and shopping. |
| 2. Always shop at websites that have a secure | | | | 7. Know where to go when problems arise: contact |
| certificate. For example VeriSign on any website | | | | the consumer information center; Better Business |
| indicates that the website is safe and secure. Click on | | | | Bureau; the state attorney general’s office; or the |
| the signs and ensure they are valid and issued to the | | | | federal trade commission. |
| website you are at. Keep a look out for shopping | | | | Be wise and visit websites hosted by FTC and other |
| websites that display logos without permission. Make | | | | bodies where tips and information for consumers are |
| the effort to check authenticity of the website by | | | | regularly published and updated. Organizations like |
| calling their registered office or checking with | | | | Internet Fraud Watch are also active and help |
| organizations like the Better Business Bureau or | | | | consumers online protect themselves. Another great |
| Chamber of Commerce. | | | | resource is the national Fraud Information Center ( |
| 3. Always make the effort to delete cookies stored | | | | NFIC) they allow online consumers to report incidents |
| by your computer. Cookies can be used by | | | | online. |
| unscrupulous people to study your shopping habits and | | | | Technology helps people better themselves provided |
| track your browsing patterns. | | | | precautions are taken to protect identities and financial |
| 4. Always ensure that websites you shop at do not | | | | information. |
| use or share your personal information with others. | | | | |