By Noreen Ruth

Begin with your Browser and Internet Connection
An unsecured web browser or Internet connection be easily be intercepted by a hacker resulting in the theft of your credit card information and possibly your identity. A secure computer connection will scramble (encrypt) everything you enter into the web browser. The easiest way to insure that you have the latest technology to safeguard your Internet shopping is by keeping up-to-date on all upgrades and new releases. Allowing Automatic Update for Windows is one important way to be at the top of your game when it comes to Internet security. Contact your service provider, if you’re not sure if your connection is encrypted.

If your connection is wireless, especially if you’re surfing the web in public places, it is imperative that you have your wireless router WEP enabled. This is accomplished through the setup window of your wireless connection. Again, if you’re unable to determine your security, contact your wireless router manufacturer to help you out.

Check Out the Merchant

•  The number one way to get into trouble when buying from the Internet is by responding to an unsolicited e-mail offer. Your personal identity can be at serious risk, if the offer is a thief using ‘phishing’ methods to get you to divulge your personal information. To protect yourself from this threat and to insure that you are at a legitimate site, type the URL of the site into the browser search window rather than follow a link included in the e-mail.
• When shopping with an unfamiliar online merchant look for your web browsers ‘lock’ icon at the bottom of the window. Click on it to see the site’s security details. Be sure that the icon functions properly, as fraudulent sites may duplicate the ‘lock’ icon to trick you into thinking the site is legitimate. Read your browser help files to understand how this function works.
• The web address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the information is being encrypted—turned into code that can only be read by the seller. Many SSL Certificate vendors (Verisign, GeoTrust, SSL.com, etc.) also provide a “site seal” to the owners of these web sites. Or better yet, check out the merchant at www.bbb.org (Better Business Bureau) for complaints that may have been filed against them. If you’re bidding on an auction item, check out the feedback forum and the seller’s track record.
• Write down the details of the merchant. Get the contact phone numbers, e-mail address and a physical address, if applicable. Also, note the return policy in detail as these vary from merchant to merchant, as well as the privacy and cancellation policies.
• Take some time to get to know the policies of the site. Understand all the costs associated with the purchase, i.e.: delivery rates, shipping and handling charges, taxes, etc.
• Print out all order confirmation e-mail.

Pay it Safe
Fair Credit Billing Act just like all of your other credit card purchases. With the protection this act provides, using a credit card is probably the safest way to buy online. You have rights to dispute unauthorized charges, cancellation of late deliveries, return of defective or misrepresented merchandise and a maximum liability of $50. But there are some important things to be aware of when buying online with credit.

1. Never divulge your social security number or even the last four digits or your passwords. Legitimate sites never ask for this type of information.
2. Check you monthly statements thoroughly. Any unauthorized charges need to be dealt with immediately. Report your concerns to the credit card company with as much detail as you can provide.
3. Designate one credit card to only be used for online shopping. In this way, you can recognize much more quickly an discrepancies, errors or unauthorized purchases.

For additional articles and extensive resources for everything you need to know about credit cards, please visit us at ASAPCreditCard.com.