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December 7, 2004
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Photo by Casey Ferguson Mesa Legend |
Online shopping courts fraud risk
Rita Kasha
Mesa Legend
More than ever, customers are finding that shopping online for the holidays is easy and convenient. Department stores, magazines, and phone companies, are only a few of the popular businesses which offer products online. For busy lifestyles, the option to shop online is available at any time of the day or night, seven days a week.
Is avoiding the long lines, cold weather, and finding parking spots worth it when shopping online poses the danger of credit theft?
Despite the perks online shopping offers, there are some precautions to be taken. The Better Business Bureau suggests some ways to avoid falling victim to fraud this holiday season:
Web sites that ask for too much information should be avoided. A web page may look professional, however, it may not be credible.
Web sites which sell products should have a Privacy Policy. If the Private Policy is no where to be found, business should not be done. Phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses should always be available for contact purposes.
Personal information such as telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or e-mail addresses, are usually unnecessary to make online purchases.
The company should be questioned as to the usage of such information if it is required.
Passwords that are used for other programs or accounts should never be used twice.
Avoid using birth dates, telephone number, or Social Security numbers.
If a shipping price sounds too low to be true, it probably is. Credit card statements should be read thoroughly, in order to spot unauthorized charges or errors. In the instance that an account has been pirated, the credit card issuer should be notified immediately.
Receipts should always be kept. Records on warranties, dates and conditions, are to be preserved in case an emergency should arise.
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