FDLE Offers Safe Online Shopping Tips For Cyber Monday

November 28, 2016

It’s Cyber Monday — the Monday following Black Friday. Most online retailers hold a Cyber Monday sale; it is traditionally the busiest day of the year for online retailers. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers the following tips for safe online shopping today, and every day of the year.

Make Sure to Use a Secure Browser.

Make sure your browser meets industry security standards. Features such as the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encrypt your personal information as it is sent over the Internet. Most browsers are capable of SSL encryption and other security features.

There are two ways to determine if a website encrypts data before it is sent over the Internet. The first is that the URL displayed in the address bar will begin with the abbreviation “https.”  This stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Web pages that do not encrypt data only display “http,” without the “s.”

Secure web pages will also display a second indicator, which differs depending on the particular browser being used. In most browsers, a small lock will appear in the bottom-right corner of the browser window.

Shop Only With Companies You Are Comfortable With.

Ask for paper documentation, such as a catalog or a brochure, if you are unfamiliar with an online merchant. This should help you become familiar with the vendor’s services and policies. Never deal with an on-line merchant whose policies are not explicitly clarified.

Keep Your Password(s) Secret.

Never reveal passwords that you use on-line. See the page on SecureFlorida.org for more information about passwords.

Pay by Credit or Charge Card.

Using your credit card online ensures that you will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. This law provides consumers with the right to dispute charges made to their accounts. If unauthorized charges are made to your credit card, by law you are liable only for the first $50, and many companies don’t require you to pay anything.

Keep Records.

Keep a record of confirmation numbers and purchase orders. Print them out and keep personal copies. On-line orders are covered by the Federal Mail/Telephone Order Merchandise Rule. This rule states that merchandise ordered online must be delivered within 30 days unless otherwise noted. Your records will be able to provide proof of the date and time of purchase.

Paying Your Bills Online

Most companies offer you the convenience of paying your bills and checking your account online. Before enrolling in one of these “click-to-pay” programs, make sure you fully understand the company’s privacy policy and security measures. If an appropriate description of a company’s security procedures is not available, ask the company by calling them or e-mailing them.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News