Website Security Rules of the Road

 Consumer expenditure online reached a record $65.1 billion in 2004. More and more consumers are attracted to the ease of purchasing online and spend more. Unfortunately, chances are also increasing to become a victim of internet fraud. The Internet National Scam Center Watch reported that for the first six months of 2005 the average loss to fraud victims was $2.579. This is compared with the 2004 average of $895. Complaints concerning general purchases of goods (goods that were never received or misrepresented) accounted for 30% of Internet fraud complaints and auction (goods not received or misrepresented) purchases were up to 44%.

Although many e-commerce websites are legitimate and have taken the security measures to safeguard you, it never hurts to always act with caution. 

Consider these straightforward procedures when making an online purchase:

1.When making online purchases, use only one credit card, ideally with a low credit limit. Do not use an ATM or debit card.
2. Be aware of sellers' unwanted offers. The Internet National Fraud Information Center Watch revealed that e-mail was up 22 per cent in 2004 as a way for internet scammers to contact. Although the offer is valid, scammers like to utilize this approach to side step respectable websites that protect consumers for online purchases.
3. Use reliable e-commerce websites listing the street and telephone addresses only if you need direct contact with them.
4.Read the privacy policy of the website. Some websites may be allowed to sell/give your data to third parties. Check the document to determine whether it allows you to "opt out" from third-party merchants' special offers or for permission to share your personal information.
5.Check the status bar lock indicator below your Web browser window. Also, if the site address does not start with "https," don't give your personal information (a sign that the site is using a secure server).
6. Choose only merchants that have been verified. Check whether the seller is a verified third party member such as the Better Business Bureau, VeriSign or Guardian eCommerce. These third-party sites help ensure that online consumers are safeguarded in e-commerce transactions or buying.
7.Verify that the date of delivery posted is appropriate. If you have not handled the seller on a regular basis, be careful about any website indicating that the shipment may be delayed for 20 days or longer. 7-10 day delivery dates are more common.
8.Keep track of all internet transactions on paper. Print a physical copy of the transaction and preserve it in a future reference file.
9. Be careful about online offers that sound just too wonderful to be true. The Internet is full of quick scams and misleading publicity claims. 

Before continuing, critically investigate all claims.
If you do not get what you have paid for and the seller does not reply your emails or phone, please contact the Consumer Affairs Department of your state for additional assistance.