Safe Shopping on the Web:
Security is a big concern for people shopping on the web. Even seasoned shoppers sometimes have the feeling upon transaction time: "I hope my credit card information does not get into the wrong hands".
When you purchase online and you hit the checkout button, an SSL connection should be established. You can verify this by checking to see if the padlock icon shows at the bottom right corner of the browser window, and the URL changed from "http:" to "https:". This is when you know no internet spy or hacker can pick up on the data you send. SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer". From Verisign.com "Each SSL Certificate consists of a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt information and the private key is used to decipher it. When a Web browser points to a secured domain, a Secure Sockets Layer handshake authenticates the server (Web site) and the client (Web browser). An encryption method is established with a unique session key and secure transmission can begin".
PayPal offers one of the safest way to buy and sell online, however, if you are using a weak password, your account can easily be broken into, and funds transferred into another account. This is a mess to clean up and can be prevented buy getting a PayPal Security Key. This is an extra layer of protection for your account. It's a little key dongle, costs $5.00 and is an excellent measure of security. The hacker may have your password, but to get to your account, he will need the number provided by the key, which changes every 30 seconds. I urge you to read up about it and to get one through their website.
There are other concerns regarding internet security. you might wonder, are the merchant's order processors trustworthy with my personal information, and are their databases secure? Look for Trusted Sites logos, Verisign and Better Business Bureau seals on the merchant's site. This means that their business has been verified and deemed worthy by regulatory agencies and comply with general rules of trustworthiness.
A reputable merchant will never ask you to send or verify credit card or other personal information via email, or over the phone. Anytime you receive an email from a person identifying themselves as a sales rep from a merchant you have purchased from, and they are requesting personal information, a red flag should go up right then. Simply refuse to provide the information. The merchants you have purchased from already have your information in their database. People are getting more savvy about this as shopping online gains more acceptance and consumer doubt regarding online shopping subsides.
Online shopping is now as safe as brick-and-mortar store shopping, and really just as fun! You can really check around, find new items you didn't know about from the comfort of your home, and on your time. Finding a great deal is always just a click away!
The Daily Deal is a blog with eBay articles, tips 'n' tricks, and almost-daily blurbs from true life experiences, from an eBay enthusiast, just like you!!
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