Online shopping FAQ
It's worth remembering a few points before you start ordering online as there are certain areas where the Internet differs from real world shopping. If you are new to the Internet or an experienced surfer it's worth taking a few moments to read this simple online shopping FAQ and make sure you are keeping yourself as safe and secure as possible.
- On the page where you enter your credit card information look for this symbol -
- it looks like a padlock on the very bottom of your browser window. Do not enter credit card information without seeing this, as it shows you are on a secure connection. The address may also change from http:// to https:// - again this shows you are on a secure connection, but you should still look for the padlock symbol. Some websites use a shopping cart called Actinic, which might not have a padlock, but is still very secure. If you are in any doubt, phone the retailer and ask why you can't see a secure page - or order over the phone. - Never send you credit card or debit card details via email, even if you are asked to split the number and send via two messages. This is definitely not secure - a respectable website will never ask you to do this.
- Try and use your credit card instead of your bank debit card. You should check with your bank if you intend to use your debit card to see what protection, if any, they offer. Credit cards usually offer much better protection and again you should check with your card company for the details. Credit card orders can usually be disputed if the goods are sent incorrectly or incorrect charges are made to the card.
- A .co.uk address doesn't always mean that the company is actually based in the UK so look for contact details and check where they are based. If you accidentally buy from a site abroad, you may find returning it is expensive.
- Get some proof that you made your purchase. Right click on the page that shows what you ordered and your information and select print. Also print out the confirmation email and date this. Keep this printout and if you don't receive your goods you will know when you bought and the order number you were given.
- Try to determine if the company is genuine before ordering. Does it have real world shops? If you have never heard of the company, it does not necessarily mean not to order from them, but you should look for recommendations online or from people you know. Is the contact information correct - a quick phone call can help determine this.
- Avoid any transaction where cash, money orders or a cheque is required before you receive the goods.
- Check each sites policy on returning goods before you buy - they do vary.
- If you are in any doubt of the terms and conditions of a site, send them an email. The speed at which you get an answer will also indicate how efficient they are.
- Most companies will allow you to place your order over the phone if you are not comfortable giving your credit card number out online.
Remember - it is safer to give out your credit card details on a secure website than over the phone or fax as it is the only method that actually encrypts the numbers.
For more useful information please see the Consumer Gateway, a website run by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry ) to help UK consumers.
Well Rated is listed at the UK Shopping Directories and Shops which also has links to useful information for online shoppers.
Addition measures
Keeping your computer secure will help you fight against threats that might affect you while you are online. By using these three programs together you will have much greater protection from malicious programs. If you have your own antivirus/firewall/antispyware then it's just a matter of keeping them updated.
