| Every year, consumers are defrauded out of millions | | | | secure. |
| of dollars online. Unlike purchases made in | | | | - Read through the terms of service and or privacy |
| brick-and-mortar stores, online fraud can go virtually | | | | policy provided by the merchant on their website. The |
| undetected if security measures (such as encryption) | | | | information should detail the security measures they |
| are not in place to protect a consumer's information. | | | | take to ensure your credit card number and other |
| Here are few tips that can help you ensure the | | | | personal information remains secure when stored on |
| payments you are making are secure and encrypted. | | | | their servers. Other places you may find this |
| - Determine whether or not the site utilizes a SSL | | | | information on a merchant's website include the |
| (secure socket layer) or TLS (transport layer security). | | | | frequently asked questions or the "about" page. |
| TLS and SSL (the predecessor of TLS) are | | | | - Don't disclose your credit card number and other |
| encryption protocols that encrypt information when | | | | personal information (including mailing address and |
| transmitted from one point to another via the Internet. | | | | social security number) to just anyone - only provide |
| There are a few ways to find out if the site is using | | | | payment information to online businesses you know |
| encryption. First, check the URL of the website at the | | | | and trust. |
| top of the browser. While most sites start with "http" a | | | | - If you have any doubts, contact the company or |
| secure website will have "https" in the URL, the "s" | | | | merchant directly to ask if sensitive information is |
| indicating the web page is hosted on a secure server. | | | | encrypted before you make a purchase. Similarly, only |
| Another indication a page is secure is a "lock" icon | | | | shop with companies you are familiar with. |
| displayed somewhere on the browser (the icon will | | | | - Keep detailed, accurate records of all online |
| appear regardless of the browser being used). If you | | | | payments you make. This way you can dispute any |
| double click on the lock, you can view the valid security | | | | fraudulent or suspicious orders made with your card. |
| certificate for the site. Some sites may utilize an icon | | | | Also, routinely check your bank and credit card |
| of an unbroken key, which also signifies the page is | | | | statements for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. |