December 2,2008
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TTTT's for Online Transactions, Pt.3 –
– Close session, safe pmt. method & docs.6. Connection security: A simple check of a vendors website can tell a lot. At the time sensitive credit card data is to be entered, you should be provided with a secure Internet connection. The beginning of the page URL (address) at the top of your browser should begin with "//https'... The "s" on the end signifies the connection is secure. A ‘padlock' icon may show to the right end. Clicking on this icon will reveal much about legitimacy. Still not fool-proof, but a good start. Don't enter secure credit card or other sensitive information over a Wi-Fi unless you can guarantee there can be no ‘electronic eavesdropping'. In short, make sure there are no leaks in your encrypted security before entering sensitive credit card info.
7. Choose safe payment options: No doubt about it, credit cards offer better protection than almost any other method. Liability is almost always limited to only $50 and a stolen or compromised credit card is usually replaced immediately with completely new security information. For most of us, it's the way to go. Even disputes with a vendor can be reversed, should you prevail. Never ever send cash. Other methods either carry much greater risk of else are very cumbersome. Debit cards generally have limits per transaction and carry much greater liability. Wiring money also leaves a liability when the deal goes sour.
8. Maintain good documentation: Be sure and keep receipts whether by e-mail, confirmation numbers, peoples' names and time/date of call if phone correspondence takes place and anything else that might serve as a paper trail. Document the product description by model number and the price. Print out any online receipts, as well. Then check your credit card statements as soon as you get them (on line is usually quicker). Report any unauthorized charges or other discrepancies to your card issuer as soon as possible.