Consumers need not fear online shopping, says local businessman.
With Christmas just around the corner, many people will choose the convenience of online shopping to take care of last minute gifts and groceries.
In fact, it is estimated that up to 55 per cent of the 50,000 Campbelltown residents who use the Internet each week will make an online purchase this Christmas.
But with almost daily stories circulating about online credit card scammers, consumers must wise up and protect themselves from such scams.
According to Jeff Geraghty, Managing Director of Taipan Internet Services, shopping online should be safe, easy and secure.
“Online shopping can be just as safe as over-the-counter credit card transactions,” he says. “Internet users just need to remain aware and follow a few simple rules to ensure their credit card details remain private”.
Taipan Internet Services has developed a checklist to ensure secure online shopping for all consumers this Christmas. It includes:
• Only shop with reputable merchants.
• Ensure contact details of the merchant are clearly available.
Merchants should disclose their address and phone number - not just a web address.
If necessary, verify details by calling the merchant directly.
• Shop only in secured websites
An easy way to identify a secured site is by the closed padlock in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. If the padlock is absent or open, the site is not secure.
A secure site will also start with an https:// in the address line of the browser.
• Check all credit card and bank statements for unauthorised charges.
• Use a secure browser that complies with industry security standards - such as SSL.
• Keep a record of your online transactions including all order confirmations and receipts.
• Update your anti-virus software regularly and ensure it - along with your firewall - is enabled.
• If in doubt, don’t give away your credit card details.
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