the Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission encourages you to make sure your online transactions are secure and your personal information is protected. Although you can't control fraud or deception on the Internet, you can take steps to recognize it, avoid it and report it. Here's how.
- Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information you send over the Internet - to guard the security of your online transactions.
Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.
When submitting your purchase information, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar to be sure your information is secure during transmission.
- Before you provide any personal financial information to a website, check the site's privacy policy. In particular, determine how the information will be used or shared with others and what security features are in place so the information cannot be obtained fraudulently. If you're not comfortable with the policy, consider doing business elsewhere.
- Read and understand the privacy, refund and shipping policies of the websites you visit, before you make your purchase. Look closely at the disclosures about a website's security, its refund and shipping policies and its privacy policy on collecting and using your personal information.
Some websites' disclosures are easier to find than others - look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the "About" or "FAQs" section of a site.
- Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your personal information - your address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number or e-mail address - unless you know who's collecting the information, why they're collecting it and how they'll use it.
- Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust, and only when and where it is appropriate - like an order form. Never give your password to anyone online, even your Internet service provider.
Do not download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you don't know. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program that could hijack your modem.
- Keep records of your online transactions and read your e-mail. Merchants may send you important information about your purchases.
- Review your monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.
For More Information
Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency and law enforcement agencies like the Federal Trade Commission or your state Attorney General are among the many organizations working to help consumers understand electronic commerce and new online payment options.