With a few key strokes and the click of a mouse you can shop at home from your computer. Sounds great, right? No traffic. No parking problems. No lines or crowds. No hassles with the weather.
Online shopping can give new meaning to convenience and choice. But before you visit your favorite boutique on the Net, take care to make your cyber-shopping experience safe.
The Basics
Think security, starting with your connection -- the way your computer connects through telephone wires to contact the Internet -- and your browser -- the software that acts like a telephone to receive information on the Internet.
Unsecured information sent over the Internet can be intercepted. That's why you should consider a secure browser, which will encrypt or scramble purchase information. Use a secure browser that complies with industry standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (S-HTTP). These often are included with Internet connection services. The credit and charge card industry is working on an enhanced level of security using Secured Electronic Transactions (SET). SET protocol provides a highly encrypted communication between card issuers, merchants and card members.
If you don't have encryption software to assure the security of your transaction, consider calling the company's 800 number, faxing your order, or paying by check or money order.
Shop with companies you know. If you'd like to try a new merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Determine the company's refund and return policies before you place an order.
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