How to Shop Safely Online

On-line shopping has become hugely poular in Australia due to the convenience and savings to be had due to lower overheads of the business involved.

Whilst the popularity of this shopping medium continues to grow some people still have fears about credit card fraud and personal information falling into the wrong hands.

Providing you follow very simple "common sense" rules you can enjoy the vast network of shopping opportunities that are out there waiting for you.

1. Ensure the company have a physical address - Any reputable on-line store will have a trading address and contact phone number (make sure it's a land line not a mobile number) listed in their "Contact Us' page on their website
2. Check the site is secure - A reputable business will explain what measures it has taken to protect your personal information usually found in a privacy link on the main page of the site
3. Check that the site uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology which is the industry standard for secure online shopping. Also look for sites that use the major baks e commerse solutions such as ANZ e-gate.
4. Most advanced online shopping sites will request a CVV code or card verification number when you make a purchase. The CCV code is the small code located on the back of your card at the end of your card number on the signature bar. This is to prevent someone making fradulent purchases who has managed to get your name, card number and expiration datefrom being able to use your card.
5. As well as checking site safety, there are measures you can take to protect your own safety

* Don't let anyone else use your name or credit card for online transactions.
* Only share access to your computer and files with people that you know and trust.
* Don't store your password or banking details in your email program or on your PC - keep hard copies of private information in a secure place away from the computer.
* Choose hard-to-crack passwords that feature a combination of numbers, symbols and letters.
* Don't use the same password for all your online activities.
* Log out of a site after you use "passworded" services such as e-banking.
* Disconnect from the Internet when not in use.
* Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date.

Article written by The Gifted Man http://www.thegiftedman.com.au