Tips for online safety and security when shopping online

When shopping online DO...

• Check all online transactions are done via a secure web page.
  Secure web pages have a URL that starts with https:// and most browsers display a lock symbol.
  
• Use your credit card for online payments. With credit cards you can dispute the charges if you don't get what you paid for or the offer was misrepresented.
• Keep your log on details safe.
• Use an up-to-date browser with 128-bit encryption.
• Ensure your computers has anti-virus software and it's up-to-date.
• Keep records of your online transactions - these will help resolve any disputes.
• Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies, contact info and other legal terms.
• Check your credit card statements for irregularities. Consider getting a dedicated credit card for online purchases.

When shopping online DON'T...

• Never send your credit card or financial details by email.
• Don't send cash, cashier's checks or money orders, especially when using classified sites. Requesting payment via Bidpay, Western Union or Money Gram are popular with online classifieds fraudsters.
• You shouldn't use the same passwords for everything. Make passwords more secure by using letters and numbers. For example pa55w0rd.
• Be suspicious if you are contacted and asked for personal details via email, phone call, fax, or letter. Never give out your passwords, birth date, banking numbers, mother's maiden name or other personal information.
• Offers that seem to good to be true often are.

Safe online shopping sites

There are some basic tips to finding and recognizing legitimate, reliable online stores.

• Read independent user reviews on popular shopping sites.
• Consult an unbiased online shopping directory.
• Stick to well known online retailers and large brand names.

Click for more tips on recognizing safe sites