Why we need the Internet?

Safe e-shopping

When you hand your credit card to a waiter in a restaurant or give out your account number over the telephone, you are probably posing a greater security risk than charging items online—at least from trusted Web sites. Some sites use Secure Sockets Layer technology (SSL) to encrypt any financial information you send over the Internet to their site. If you're not sure, look for a site's certificate

Amazon, eBay, QVC, Target, and Wal-Mart are leading online retailers. Top shopping categories are travel, movie/event tickets, CDs/DVDs, videos, computer software and books.

1. Make Your Connection Secure

Before you submit any sensitive or private information about yourself—especially your credit-card number—make sure that the data will be encrypted and transmitted over a secure connection. Both your browser and the Web site's server should support industry standards, such as Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).

Look for a “https://” at the beginning of the page’s URL to know if the page is secure or not. Also, a closed lock should be displayed, when viewing a secure page, at the bottom right corner (For Internet Explorer user.) or at the bottom left corner (For Netscape users.) of your browser’s window.

2. Protect Your Passwords

Don't create a password based on information that can be easily discovered, such as your birth date, telephone number, or Social Security number. Instead, use a unique combination of at least five letters, numbers, or symbols.

You'd be surprised at the number of people who write down their secret password, and tape it to the monitor or tuck it into a desk drawer next to their computer. Be sure you:

Keep it to yourself. Do not write it down. Do not share it with anyone.

Do not check the "remember my password" feature, without considering the value of the data the password protects. Create different passwords for information that needs a high level of protection (like information on financial Web sites) and for information that needs only casual protection (like online magazines).

Change your password at least every six months. If you had reason to tell someone your password, then create a new one at your earliest opportunityWhat makes a password strong? The challenge, of course, is creating a password that you can remember, but is hard for anyone else to guess.

When you create a new password, make sure it:

Is at least seven characters in length, and the longer the better. Includes upper and lower case letters, numerals, symbols. Has at least one symbol character in the second through sixth position. Has at least four different characters in your password (no repeats). Looks like a sequence of random letters and numbers.

3. Protect Your Privacy

Take a moment to read the company's privacy policy, which should detail what information the site collects and how it will be used. Limit your exposure by filling out on-line forms carefully. Don't volunteer optional information. Instead, provide only the information required to complete a transaction.

Never divulge information, such as your mother's maiden name, that can be used to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. Various free and fee-based Web services will let you surf and shop anonymously. For example, Anonymizer or Privada will let you visit Web sites without revealing your name or e-mail address.

4. Use an Insured Payment Method

Paying for your on-line purchases with a credit or charge card isn't just convenient, it's smart. Your transaction is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which gives you the right to dispute charges and to withhold payment until the dispute is settled.

In addition, if your credit or charge card is used fraudulently, you are normally liable for only $50 of the total amount. Cash payments are increasingly common on the Internet, thanks to on-line auction sites. For large sums, you should use a fee-based escrow service, such as Tradenable.

5. Check References

Look for the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Seal , which guarantees that a company has been in business for a minimum of one year, has become a member of a local Better Business Bureau, and agrees to arbitration in case of a dispute.

Some sites provide a feedback section, where people who have previously bought goods can comment on the reliability of individual sellers (see our Forums and Chat section).

6. Check the Terms of the Sale

Reputable on-line retailers display the terms and conditions of the sale, including warranties on the merchandise, limitations of liability, and return and refund policies.

Some sites display this information prominently on a "click-wrap" screen that requires you to accept the terms before completing the purchase. Other sites provide links to the information.

7. Include Taxes and Shipping

Scrutinize the shipping and handling fees tacked onto your bill. Per-item fees and expedited shipping methods can bloat the total purchase price.

Look for sites that offer low-cost shipping methods or that deliver free of charge when you place a large order. Charging sales tax is required by law in many states.

8. Double-Check Order Forms

Before you finalize a purchase, proofread your order form. Typos, such as typing "22" instead of "2,2" can be costly mistakes. If your shipping address differs from your billing address, there is no way for the vendor to confirm its accuracy, so double-check it yourself.

You should also make sure that the pricing information you see on-screen is absolutely current and not an old price from a page that was cached on your system during a previous visit.

9. Estimate the Delivery Date

The seller should inform you of an approximate delivery date. Federal Trade Commission rules state that if the seller does not specify a time period in which the product will be shipped, the merchant must either ship the product within 30 days, or notify you of the delay and offer to cancel the order and refund your money.

The delivery time clock begins when the company receives enough information to process your order. If a company cannot meet the specified shipping date, you must be notified and given the option of canceling for a full refund.

If you do not respond to the first notice of a delay of 30 days or less, then the order is considered still in effect. If a company cannot meet the updated shipping date, a second notice must be given. The order is considered canceled unless you consent to the further delay.

10. Complain About Problems

If you do experience a problem with an on-line purchase, notify the company immediately. Check the Web site for a toll-free phone number, an e-mail address, or links to customer service.

If the company itself does not resolve the problem, contact the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state attorney general's office.

What is on-line banking?

On-line banking is a service provided by many banks, thrifts, and credit unions that allows you to conduct banking transactions over the Internet using a personal computer, mobile telephone, or handheld computer (such as a "personal digital assistant"). You may be able to:

Access accounts round-the-clock, even on weekends. See balances on-line and find out whether checks or deposits have cleared . Transfer funds between accounts. Download information directly into personal finance software.

Receive and pay bills on-line (without check writing, envelopes, or stamps) If you choose an "Internet-only" bank, you may no longer have access to a local "bricks-and-mortar" branch. Some Internet-only banks, however, offer higher interest rates and fewer fees than traditional banks.

How quickly are my on-line transactions processed?

You may discover that on-line transfers are similar to writing a check and mailing it-transactions may not be processed instantaneously. Be sure to find out from your bank exactly when on-line or telephone account transfers take place (immediately, end of day, etc.).

If you want to pay bills on-line, you should ask when electronic payments are deducted from your account, and when they are transferred to third-party billers. To find out more about on-line bill paying services, read the Electronic Payments on the Internet section of this Web site.