Cyber Shopping - Protect Yourself Online - By: AsapCreditCard.com

Just a few keyboard clicks from anything your heart desires, online shopping, not only saves time but allows consumers to avoid the hassle of crowded malls and stores. Just as there are safety and security issues when shopping at the local mall, online shopping poses its own safety concerns.

Begin with your Browser and Internet Connection
An unsecured Internet connection can be easily intercepted by a cyber-punk making you vulnerable to credit card or identity theft. A secure computer connection will scramble (encrypt) everything you type into the web browser window. The easiest way to safeguard your Internet shopping is by keeping up-to-date on all browser upgrades. Allowing Automatic Update for Windows will put you 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 to 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.

Safety Tips for Internet Surfing

1. Never respond 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 an e-mail.

2. When shopping at 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.

3. The web address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the information is being encrypted. Many SSL Certificate vendors (Verisign, GeoTrust, SSL.com, etc.) also provide a "site seal" to the owners of their authorized web sites. Or better yet, check out the merchant at http://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 feedback and the seller's track record.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Print out all e-mail confirmations.

Pay it Safe
As with all other credit card purchases, the merchandise you purchase online is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. This act gives consumers the right to dispute unauthorized charges, cancel late deliveries, return defective or misrepresented merchandise and a maximum liability of $50.

Three other important tips keep you safe when shopping online.

- Never divulge your social security number, the last four digits or your passwords. Legitimate sites never ask for this type of information.

- 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.

- Designate one credit card to be used exclusively for online shopping. In this way, you can recognize much more quickly any discrepancies, errors or unauthorized purchases.

About the Author

For the best credit cards visit ASAPCreditCard.com. Compare numerous offers and apply for a credit card online - 0%, travel miles, instant approval, rebate and low APR credit cards.

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