Over ten per cent of you will be doing your Christmas shopping online this year. The UK Payments Association APACS reports that around ?5.6 million is predicted to be spent online this year. In addition, why not it is easy saves tramping round the shops, the pressies are delivered to home, and you haven?t got to fight the crowds. However, remember there can be a downside to shopping online if you don?t take sensible precautions. So how can you enjoy the benefits of online shopping and avoid the risks? This article gives you the help to shop online with confidence.
1. The very first thing to do is ensure that your computer is protected by using up to date anti-virus software and a firewall. If you don?t want to buy an antivirus checker there are some great free anti-virus software and firewall packages that work effectively. You can try free ant-virus software from
AVG or
Avast, and free firewall software from
Comodo or
Zone Alarm. Don?t forget to keep your operating system updated by downloading the latest fixes and patches from Microsoft, Apple, or Linux.
2. Make sure that your wireless network is secure and cannot be accessed by unwanted intruders. If you do not set the correct security settings, your wireless router can be used by others to access the internet, or worse your computer. Read the instructions and set up the security. If you don?t have the instructions you can usually access them on the maker?s website or contact the supplier if you can't. There is a great website that gives you more information called
Get Safe Online.
3. Be careful with the online retailers that you use, make sure that they have a real UK address and telephone number (if none is shown then be wary). Moreover, remember if a deal seems too good to be true, it should raise your alarm bells.
4. Use only websites that show the padlock symbol in the bottom right window and the web address should begin https:// and not http://. You can check on the seller by clicking on the padlock ? this will confirm that the seller is who they say they are and you can check that their security certificate is up to date.
5. The best way of buying online is to use a credit card to make your purchases. If you spend between ?100 and ?30k with the card will have the protection of
Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Y will be able to claim against your card provider if something goes wrong. So what could go wrong? Well if an item doesn't arrive, is faulty, isn't fit for purpose or its damage, this will be covered. This cover applies even if you?ve only put down a small deposit with a credit card, and there is a recent House of Lords ruling that also covers overseas purchases.
6. To further your protection, if you have a credit card sign up to the Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code payment methods. These verify your card information (you'll need to set up another password to use them) and add an extra layer of protection.
7. If you want to respond to an email circular, never click on a link sent in the email always re-type the address of the retailer into the address bar. Some links hide the actual destination that it is taking you to.
8. Try to use different passwords for each retailer, even if it is a core word with additional numbers. Try to ensure you use a strong password of at least 7 characters long and use a mixture of letters, symbols, and number. Do not use passwords that contain your name, username or company name, children?s names, favourite football team etc!
9. Regularly check your credit card and bank statements. Look for suspicious transactions and keep the receipts of those transactions you make.
10. Remember that your rubbish bin can be a goldmine for thieves. Shred any papers that have any personal details (name, address etc) ? do not throw them away in the bin!
11. Also, don?t forget to take similar precautions with your online banking transitions and information. You can take the added precaution of signing up to Experian or one of the credit checking agencies. Thy will watch for any applications for credit using your name or address.
Experian give you a
free credit report when you join them).
Shopping online can be fun and make life easier if you follow these guidelines and take sensible precautions against identity fraud. Enjoy Christmas and your online shopping.
How WSI can help:
Your WSI Consultant can help you see the big picture and grow your business through a variety of tested industry best practices, such as Search Engine Optimization, Internet Marketing campaigns, email marketing, and website enhancements. Working with a WSI Consultant means that you can profit from their experience, research, and product offering, while still focusing your efforts on running your business.
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