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Society > Crime > Identity Theft > Preventing Identity Theft > Avoid Identity Theft While Shopping Online
Avoid Identity Theft While Shopping Online
Submitted 2005-12-19 10:03:36 by psiolent
Rating: 5 (1 votes) | 1258 Views
Section: Preventing Identity Theft
Online shopping can be quite convenient and enjoyable, but only if we do so intelligently. Use these tips to stay safe from identity theft.
Know the site. Try to buy from well known websites with good reputations. If you must order from a site you've never dealt with before, do a little background check to make sure they're legit. Look up their physical address. Call their phone number and make sure someone answers. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau if needed. Never buy products via spam emails.
Know the product. Be sure you know exactly what you're buying. How much does it cost? What exactly are you getting for that cost. Look up their shipping charges and their privacy and return policies.
Keep your info safe. Before you send any information over the internet, make sure you are doing so via a secure site. Some browsers will indicate in different ways that the site is secure, but the best way to tell is if the web address starts with https:// instead of http:// (the extra "s" is for "secure").
Keep records. Save all info regarding your purchase. Print out the order number. Save any emails regarding your purchase. If there are any problems, notify the company immediately and keep records of this interaction, too.
Follow up. Always monitor your credit card statements, especially after making online purchases. If there is any fraudulent activity, file a police report immediately.
Be diligent and be aware. Make this part of your shopping routine. A little prevention goes a long way. |
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