Shop Online Safely.
Shopping online has become one of the most important parts of life in the UK today. It is easy to use; it can also make life so much easier, especially around seasonal times of the year (no more hunting for parking spaces and being bumped around like last year’s mince pie pastry!)
More and more companies are now beginning to offer their products and services online. This is great, the internet has more to offer than ever before. But with the advent of new practices comes the aged battle against fraudsters. In dealing with companies online, you need to know that your details are safe and secure from those online hackers!
What is a hacker?
The term used to refer to someone skilled in the use of computer systems, especially if that skill was obtained in an exploratory way. The term evolved to be applied to individuals, with or without skill, who break into security systems and by doing this…they could steal YOUR DETAILS!
But fear not, it is not that simple nor is it as common as you would think. However, let me point out some basic tips to help you shop without fear.
Security fact to ease your worry
If a website is displaying its payment pages (where you enter your details online) on a secure server (the address would show as https:// instead of http:// and you would see a padlock in the address bar or in the lower right of your screen), your chances of losing personal data are reduced dramatically if at all. A site using SSL Encryption is serious about protection. This means that NO-ONE can view your personal data as you submit them, as they are ‘mixed up’ into a meaningless string of digits that thus far, cannot be deciphered by a computer! An example of a secure page can be found here.
For example your address of 123 Any Street may well become mckdehfusdhshjslflflflflfo0ehsjslfllf£$%£”(**&kkdfolslaslll)*^$ (these are random characters used to demonstrate a point, in all probability, they would not be used in encryption.
Let me demonstrate some safety tips that I have used online for many years and hopefully, these will also help you shop safely. This list is not exhaustive and in no order or priority. If you would like to add something to this list, please feel free to login and post.
1 Can I visit their store?
Basic I know, but when you visit the website for the first time, is there a physical address for you to go to? Can you identify a street name? Not all internet companies show these obviously, but for big ticket items, I don’t know about you, but I would want to touch and feel it before I part with my cash. For smaller value items, you need to know where to go if something goes wrong or indeed to write to them and say thanks!
If it is missing and you are unsure, contact them and ask them where they are…if they don’t want to tell you, ask yourself why…
2 Can I contact them by telephone?
Did you know that anyone can set up a 0845 or 0800 telephone number from any location? Try and locate a geographical telephone number. Also keep any eye out for Skype numbers; they too fail to show a location.
3 Entering personal details and payment collection
Secure credit card capturing? When you add any item to your basket and proceed to checkout and are ready to enter your card details, do you see the magical GOLDEN PADLOCK at the bottom right of your screen? No, then enter nothing. Your card details are probably visible to the whole internet (not that anyone is looking but in truth, they can be intercepted easily)
4 Do they hold professional body recognition or some form of trade authority?
Are they a member of a professional body that you have heard of (eg ABTA for holidays, ISIS for retail)? If there is a logo on the site, is it clickable? If yes, then check it out, it should confirm the site you are on and the retailers details. If no, approach with caution, anyone can add an image to a site!
5 Read the trading terms BEFORE you buy.
Do they have a privacy policy and trading terms statement? Very important pages, namely for the fact that a) they will tell you what they will (and won’t) do with your information once captured and b) what will happen if anything goes wrong.
6 Sounds simple but…
Ask yourself, have you heard of them?
7 Do you want to store your card details for use on all future orders?
If there is a checkbox asking you to do this…always, always make sure it is empty! This is a MASSIVE NO NO!!! These (in theory) can be accessed at anytime by anyone with access to the server. I know there are rules and regulations in place but still…you wouldn’t leave your pin number in your wallet or purse near your cards would you?
Following some basic advice will hopefully protect you against any online wrong doings. It is also worth noting that 99% of online traders are genuine and indeed safe to trade with. Shopping online is only going to get bigger (last year over £96 billion was spent online and the rate is growing by an average 27% per year. Source bbc.co.uk)
One important point to remember is that EVERY SINGLE UK ONLINE RETAILER has to comply with the distance trading regulations & sales of goods act act. If you feel you have been dealt with unfairly (or illegally) then call the Office of Fair Trading, they will help you and advice on the next steps or visit your local Trading standards.
