5 tips for guilt- and risk-free online shopping
There’s no end to the benefits that can come with online shopping. Being able to search for exactly what you want, pay in whatever manner you want, and have it delivered directly to your doorstep is definitely attractive. However, the list of risks is also extensive. Identity theft, fraud, and privacy concerns have all been issues in previous years. Luckily, online shopping has gotten more secure, and also more knowledgeable about some of the easier-to-avoid risks. These tips can only help you in keeping your online shopping excursions secret.
- Research the company to ensure they’re secure. Big-name companies like Amazon.com have their security notices easily accessible on their home pages. If you’re dealing with a company you’ve never dealt with before, investigate them to make sure they have phone numbers and contact information. Start with an inexpensive order.
- Have one credit card for only online transactions. The Fair Credit Billing Act protects you against unauthorized transactions, but you have to notice them first. Having a card you only use online will make it easier to see if anyone else has been using it.
- Never give out your Social Security number. This one is self-explanatory, but crucial. This data is never needed for an online transaction.
- Keep copies of your order confirmations. When shopping at a reputable site, you will receive confirmation of your order. Make sure to print or save that data (if it is sent via e-mail) so you can take advantage of the return and warranty policy once the product arrives, or initiate legal action if it doesn’t.
- Consider using a single-use card number. Companies like Citibank, Bank of America, and Discover are now offering services where they create a random card number for a one-time purchase. This makes it very easy to shop securely and ensure your online transaction can never be tied back to your main bank account.