Costumer Protection and Security Online
Shopping online is simple, quick and safe for the vast majority of internet shoppers. Just like shopping on the high street they are a few simple steps that can make your shopping life safer,
1. Keep your computer clean.
Don't allow or tolerate viruses or trojan horses on your system. Its been well documented that there are a number of trojan horses which map and log all your keyoard entries. This can be a particular security threat if you are purchasing online with your credit card or doing online banking. The last thing you want is someone getting your name and credit card number or enough general information about you to open bank or mobile phone accounts in your name.
If you are using a machine which runs on Microsoft Windows, be extra careful. Don't download excuteable files(ending in *.exe or *.scr) from untrusted websites or from your email, unless you are absolutely sure what they are. Use anti-virus software, they are quite a few and should only take half an hour to set up on your computer. But probably one of the best ways to keep your computer safe is to consider switching your OS systems, Windows has been pledged by viruses and security threats for years, and of late they has been a number of free, user friendly versions of linux released.
2. Make sure you are purchasing from a Secure Server
When making the final purchase, when you are filling in your credit card details make sure you are using a secure server. You will know that you are using a secure server, by a key smybol at the bottom left of your browser.
A secure server protects you in two principle ways. Firstly any information you post, such as your credit card number, is encryted. Therefore only you and the secure service itself can read the information you enter. This prevents people using listening software from getting your details. And secondly every secure server is third party certified, so you known where the site is hosted and who is untimately responsible for the site.
3. Check the return policy of the website.
Just like the high street, different shops have different policies when if comes to returns on damaged or unwanted goods. Normally this policy is quite easy to find from the websites index page. If you cannot find one, or the policy is not favourable to you, why would you shop there considering there are thousands of online shops, with much the same stock at much the same price.
Online shopping is not dangerous, especially if you follow these 3 steps above, it can be alot safer than normal shopping on the high-street, plus you get a bigger array and variety and products. Given the shear number of shops online, you can always find a bargain and many of them ship to your house next day for free.
ThE JuNk HeAp