With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it's time for some common-sense safety reminders for Internet buying. For many of you, this is old hat, but with cyberspace holiday shopping projected to increase as much as 25 percent from a year ago, even the veterans out there need to be careful.
One of the most important things to look for while completing a Web order form is a secure connection. Look for the closed padlock symbol in a corner of your browser. Users of the Firefox browser will notice the Web site address line changes from white to yellow as an additional method for recognizing secure connections.
Advertisement
Before typing in personal information on Web order forms, be sure the address of the page you're on begins with "https" instead of "http." That translates to "hyper text transfer protocol," with the added "s" standing for "secure." It means your information is better protected when you send it into cyberspace.
Print copies of order confirmations as a backup to the electronic confirmation sent via e-mail. It's also wise to print copies of guarantees and warranties or special offers. Use the copies to confirm accurate charges on your credit card bill.
Be sure your computer has the latest spyware and anti-virus software. There are dozens of choices available, and it's a perfect example of an ounce of prevention saving tons of grief later.
The devious and mischievous always try to keep a step ahead of the latest software updates, so be sure to update your computer's security system regularly.
Don't click on links in e-mail messages, and if you do, never fill out forms on those pages. If you need to check the status of an order or place a new order, always start by typing in the name of Web site.
I've written numerous times about phishing schemes, and you can be sure unsuspecting online shoppers are still taking the bait. This criminal activity involves tricking Web users into clicking into sites that appear legitimate, but are not. These bogus sites include forms that ask for personal information, such as credit card, social security and other identification numbers.
Look for the "Trust-e" symbol or "Better Business Bureau" online seal. These are good indications that the seller has the technology needed to protect your personal information.
Finally, make sure the vendor Web site has a privacy policy and read it. Look for the assurance that your personal information will not be sold or shared with other Web sites.
A reminder to send me a message telling what you like most about the Internet. Use the subject: "Online Favorites."
Tip of the Week Edit (www.edit.com) This site claims to take the hassle out of maintaining your Web site. A variety of pricing and service plans gives you access to their tools and expertise. There's even a self-service mode for the geekier users. Pricing starts at $25, escalating to $180 for unlimited use for a year.
