While online shopping can provide unequaled convenience and cost savings, it is relatively new and might feel risky. Questions regarding security, privacy, and safety cause reluctance in many shoppers.
How to be sure your credit card number and personal information won't be intercepted enroute to us? What happens to that information when it does reach us safely? What if you have questions regarding your order?
We created this page to help explain how online shopping can be safe and secure. We will try to answer some of those questions and provide references to more complete information about online security and privacy.
Security. Security in online transactions depends on the following elements; information encryption, the merchant must protect your information after it has been safely received, and have protection against credit card fraud.
Information encryption.This refers to the encoding of information you send over the internet. When information is properly encrypted, only the site you are sending to can properly decode and read your information. If an unauthorized party were to intercept the information while enroute, it would be impossible for them to read it.
The industry standard for sending secure data is called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL guards against eavesdropping, assures against tampering during transmission, and verifies that the party receiving the data is authentic.
Ensuring your data is being transferred securely using SSL: Does your browser support SSL? SSL works with Netscape Navigator and Communicator (version 2.0 and above), Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 3.0 and above), and AOL (AOL 3.0 and above). If you are using an older version of these browsers, you should upgrade. If you use a different browser, check your documentation or with the vendor. VeriSign, a leader in internet security products, also provides a free browser security check to ensure your browser contains the strongest security possible.
When you are placing an order, you can confirm the security status by looking at the URL (internet address) in the browser window. If SSL is in effect, it will begin with "https" rather than the familiar "http." In addition, the broken key symbol in the lower left corner of Netscape 3.0 and earlier becomes solid in secure mode. In Netscape 4.0 and above, the padlock in the lower left corner becomes closed with a yellow background. In Internet Explorer, a closed padlock appears in secure mode.
Protection of data by merchants. Most reputable merchants will move your information off of their internet server after receiving it. Check each merchant for specific policies.
Policies on credit card fraud. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your bank cannot hold you liable for more than $50 in fraudulent charges.
Thanks to SSL technology and measures taken by merchants to ensure data protection and prevent fraud, using your credit card to make purchases over the net is no more dangerous, and in many cases safer, than giving your card to cashiers and waiters in the real world.
For further information, check out sites by Netscape and the FTC, which have useful information regarding online shopping safety. Some of their recommendations are:
Use the latest version of your browser.
Make sure the site uses SSL.
Look for easy-to-find security/privacy information.
Pay by credit card.
Keep a record of your transactions.
Keep passwords and IDs private.
If you find that you are still uncomfortable sending your credit card and personal information over the web, most merchants are glad to take take your order by mail or by fax.
Privacy. Reputable merchants will not share your name, address, and other information with others. Please refer to our "Privacy Policy" page for more information on how we handle the personal information you send.
