|
|
|
Home
Banking
Credit Cards
Paying Safe
Paying Safe
When you make purchases online, make sure your
transactions are secure, your personal information is
protected, and your fraud sensors are sharpened. Although
you can't control fraud or deception on the Internet, you
can take steps to recognize it, avoid it, and report it.
Here's how:
- Use a secure browser -
software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase
information you send over the Internet - to guard the
security of your online transactions. Most computers
come with a secure browser already installed. You also
can download some browsers for free over the Internet.
- Keep records of your
online transactions. Read your e-mail - merchants may
send you important information about your purchases.
- Be prompt about
reviewing your monthly bank and credit card statements
for any billing errors or unauthorized purchases. Notify
your credit card issuer or bank immediately if your
credit card or checkbook is lost or stolen.
- Read the policies of
Web sites you visit - especially the disclosures about a
Web site's security, its refund policies, and its
privacy policy on collecting and using your personal
information. Some Web sites' disclosures are easier to
find than others are - look at the bottom of the home
page, on order forms, or in the "About" or "FAQs"
section of a site. If you can't find a privacy policy,
consider shopping elsewhere.
- Keep your personal
information private. Don't disclose your personal
information - your address, telephone number, Social
Security number, or e-mail address - unless you know
who's collecting the information, why they're collecting
it, and how they'll use it.
- Give payment
information only to businesses you know and trust, and
only in appropriate places like order forms.
- Never give your
password to anyone online, even your Internet service
provider.
- Do not download files
sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from
people you don't know. Opening a file could expose your
system to a computer virus.
Correct Problems &
Errors Immediately
It is important to check your credit account and
bank account statements regularly. The statements could
contain mistakes that might damage your credit status or
reflect improper charges or transfers. If you find an
error or discrepancy, notify the financial institution and
contest the error immediately. While it may be helpful to
notify the company by e-mail or telephone to quickly
report a problem, you also should send a written notice by
mail to ensure your federal rights are protected. Send
written notices by certified mail, return receipt
requested, and keep a copy of your letter for your own
files.
To top
|
|
|
