Steps to avoid fraud when shopping online

Here are some tips to safe Internet shopping:

Privacy Policies

Before you begin your shopping spree, it is advisable that you research the company that you are buying from as well as the credit card provider. Check to see if the site has a privacy policy in order to determine just how your personal information will be handled. Keep track of all records, follow your credit card billing statement carefully and ensure that that you are not charged for any unauthorized purchases.

Virtual Credit Card

The biggest fear most people have for purchasing items on the Internet is whether you personal details will be kept safe once the transaction is completed. A virtual credit card number gives shoppers the option of using a credit card number that can be used once, hence protecting them from fraud. Since the number is only valid on the site that you made your purchase, the number will be useless to hackers trying to steal your information. A virtual terminal or online credit card machine helps provide a secure, reliable, and cost-effective system for both you and the company.

Virtual Check

A virtual check is an electronic data exchange resulting in a paper check at the Treasurer or Tax Collector's Office after your money has been transferred. Only the Tax Collector or deputized tax supervisor will have access to your personal information which eliminates all worries of your card being stolen. Typically, a card service is used to process your information, transferring the payment electronically from your account to the merchant’s account. This method is beneficial as it helps to lower costs through programs such as check guarantee and check verification, ultimately resulting in your safety and their cost-improvement.

Encryption of transactions

Hackers will try to lure you to a site similar to the one that you are trying to find and access in order to steal your information. To avoid this from happening, ensure that the site you are entering is secure. Secure sites will have "https:" at the beginning of their Web address instead of just "http." If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer, you will also see a security lock image in the bottom right of the browser window. If you are unsure of a site, do some research or use your virtual credit card.

Avid Spam or an unsolicited e-mail Offer

If you get a spam offer in your email, simply delete without opening it. If you don’t you may risk of infecting your computer with viruses that usually accompany spam. To avoid unwanted messages, guard and protect your primary email address so that spammers can't hack into and steal it.

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