How to survive online shopping

From Staff Reports

buzz@hickoryrecord.com

Published: December 11, 2008

Hickory - OK, so maybe you found the perfect gift on a Web site you don't recognize. If you don't know enough about the retailer, these tips will help you make sure the site is secure.

1. Look for third-party seals of approval such as those from the Better Business Bureau Online or Truste. Make sure to click on those seals if you see them. Some unscrupulous merchants will steal the logos without permission. They're less likely to get caught if the logos don't link to the site.

2. Still not sure? Do a background check. Look for a physical address, request a catalog by mail or call and talk to a company representative. If there's no physical address or no number to call, you might want to stay away.

3. See what other shoppers have to say. Comparison sites including Epinions or Bizrate can be helpful.

4. Make sure you're not giving too much personal information. Your credit car number, address and telephone number should suffice. Beware sites that ask for Social Security or bank account numbers or your mother's maiden name.

5. When you get to the screen to enter your card number or other personal info, make sure the Web address begins with https and check to make sure a tiny locked padlock appears at the bottom right of the screen.
Source: Microsoft.com