Have Fun this Christmas but be SECURE!
Many of us will be making purchases on the Internet this Christmas so I thought I would put out a few tips to help you keep secure.
1. Use trusted and trustworthy sites. Amazon, M&S, Tesco, Boots, Comet, PC World, Jessops etc are good examples. There are many well known outlets that would have in place Secure Payment systems.
2. If you are intent on purchasing from a supplier not known to you, then undertake a Google search with the name. It is possible to purchase domain names with .co.uk or .org . Do not assume they are UK suppliers as many are taken by Far Eastern suppliers. Some are reliable whilst others might not ship any goods. A Google search should give further information like a UK location or telephone number. If in doubt telephone them first.
3. When moving into the payment area the address bar should show https:// this indicates a secure payment site and there should also be a padlock visible on the page.
4. Credit Card payments for purchases over 100 pounds can be stopped if you are unhappy and money refunded if you have a genuine complaint. Under 100 pounds there is little security.
5. PAYPAL also offer refunds for disputed deliveries etc.
6. Many Banks also have a second level security system before accepting a charge. This is linked to your own Bank and you can register for this service. They hold on record more personal information and you go thro another level of security. An example would be a request for randomly selected letters in your password.
7. Banks also advise that you change your password on a regular basis.
Do not be afraid to make Internet purchases, just learn how to achieve them with minimum risk .
Happy & Safe Purchasing!
Sylvia December 2009
