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INTERNET BUYING
SAFETY
· Despite
these many concerns, some now argue that it is actually safer to buy
online than buying over the phone or handing your credit card over
to someone in a shop. This is because if the online payment is
handled properly your banking details will be "encrypted", which
means they cannot be viewed by anyone other than those handling the
transaction - usually the banks.
· Make
sure your web-browser (that's the software that you use to view
websites, most commonly Internet Explorer or Netscape) is set to the
highest level of security notification and monitoring. These options
are not always automatically activated when your computer is set-up,
so check your manual or the "Help" option.
· Check
you are using a recent version of your web-browser as they often
include better security features - up-to-date versions can be
downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites. If you have
a different browser or use on-line services such as AOL or
CompuServe, contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or software
supplier to find out how to activate their security features.
· Before
purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer's contact
details, including a street address and landline phone number. If
these details are not available on the website, consider going
elsewhere to buy, do not rely on the e-mail address alone.
· Do
not enter personal details unless the security icon is displayed
(this is a small padlock that normally appears at the bottom of your
browser when you begin your transaction over the Internet). You can
click on the padlock to see if the retailer has an encryption
certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and
encryption it uses. Only use companies that have an encryption
certificate and use secure transaction technology. The address of
the page where you enter personal details should also start https://.
How
do I know if a web site is secure?
A secure web site will show an icon at the bottom of your
browser window that looks something like this:
Netscape Navigator

Microsoft Explorer

Safari

Firefox

Every credit card purchase you make through our secure
shopping cart is processed by our secure server technology
which provides the following security features:
Authentication: this assures your browser that your data is
being sent to the correct computer server, and that the
server is secure.
Encryption:
this encodes the data so that it cannot be read by anyone
other than the secure server.
Data integrity: this checks the data being transferred to
ensure it has not been altered.
· If
you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before
giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is
legitimate.
· Print
out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer's terms
and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may well be
additional charges such as postage and VAT. When buying from
overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that it may
be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.
· Check
statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as soon as you
receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned in
the first instance. If you find any transaction on your statement
that you are certain you did not make, contact your card issuer
immediately.
· Ensure
that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering
into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a
series of payments.
· Never
disclose your card's PIN number to anyone, including people claiming
to be from your bank or the police, and never write it down or send
it over the Internet.
· If
you have any doubts about using your card, find another method of
payment.
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