E-commerce is big business–consumers spent nearly $26
billion online last year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
But a recent survey commissioned by the National Consumers League shows
that many people are worried that their personal information may fall into
the wrong hands.
The most common fear is that their credit card numbers
might be stolen. "Consumers like the convenience of shopping on the
Internet and using their credit cards, but they want to be assured that it’s
safe," said Susan Grant, director of NCL’s Internet Fraud Watch.
The second most common concern is that their personal information may be
abused.
The survey found that consumers would be more confident
using their credit cards online if they take advantage of new technology
that allows them to do so without giving their real account numbers.
Get the scoop on the seller.
More than a quarter of the survey’s respondents believed
that companies must be screened before they can put up Web sites. That’s
not true, so it’s important to check the complaint records at your state
or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau. Get
the physical address and phone number in case you must contact the seller
offline. Look for sellers that belong to programs that encourage good
business practices and help resolve complaints.
Six Tips for Shopping Online Safely
Use a credit card.
Nearly two-thirds of consumers incorrectly answered that
it’s safer to pay for an online order by check or money order than by
credit card. Credit cards are the safest way to pay because you have the
legal right to dispute charges for goods or services that were never
ordered, never received, or misrepresented.
Ask about "substitute" or
"single-use" credit card numbers.
Some credit cards now provide "substitute" or
"single-use" numbers, linked to your account, that you can use
for one purchase only (sometimes they can also be used for regular
payments to the same company). Since you never put your real account
number online, your financial information is safe from abuse by
"hackers" or dishonest company employees.
Look for clues about security.
When you provide payment information, the "http"
at the beginning of the address bar should change to "https" or
"shttp." Your browser may use a symbol to show whether the
information is being encrypted, or scrambled, as it is being sent. See
what Web sites say about how they safeguard your information in
transmission and storage. Don’t provide sensitive information by email.
Know the real deal.
More than half of the consumers surveyed thought they have
three days to cancel an online purchase. There is no automatic
cancellation right, so get all the details before you buy: a complete
description of the items; the total price, including shipping; the
delivery time; warranty information; the return policy; and what to do if
you have problems.
Keep proof handy.
Print and file the information in case you need proof
later.
