On my last online shopping blog, I went over steps on how to find a legitimate online shopping site. Though I went over on how to find the perfect online shopping web site , I have yet to go over the cautions to take before you give out your credit card number. There are many people who still fear the online shopping experience. I am here to tell you it is just as safe as, or safer than shopping at the mall. Just follow my advice and your online shopping experience will be as enjoyable as mine has been. First let’s review what I went over so far:

• Online shop at a reputable online store
• Do a background check
• Check for seal of approval
• Find out what other online shoppers have to say
• Review shipping methods on return policies

So, now you should know how to find the right online shopping store. Let’s learn what to do before you give out your personal and credit card information. What is the online company asking for? They should just be asking the information necessary to get your purchase to your door. If they are asking for something more than just your name, address, phone number, and email be cautious. There is no reason they need your social security number, bank account number, or your mothers maiden name unless you are applying for credit. Some reputable companies will ask for your mother’s maiden name if they require you to set up an account with a password. Since they can’t check IDs to make sure you are who you say you are, they may ask question only you would know about yourself.

Is the online shopping web site you are shopping at use secure technology? Do you know how to find out? When you are at the page where it asks for your credit card and personal information make sure the web address at the top of the page begins with https and make sure a small yellow padlock appears at the bottom of the screen.

To increase your shopping online confidence, always check for new updates for your web browser. Web browsers such as Microsoft Internet Explorer are always updating security features that make it easier to see which sites are more secure than others. These updates help protect against identity theft and other online shopping scams.

Like I had said in my last blog, use your instincts and common sense. If an alarm goes off in your head for some unknown reason, back out and find a site you are more comfortable with. There are probably hundreds of other sites selling the same product that you are interested in. Find one where you can online shop with confidence. The benefits the come with online shopping out way the hazards. Shopping at a mall or retail store can be just as dangerous or more than shopping online. The difference is more physical and financial from mall shopping.  

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Just E Stuff Blog -- Your internet resource blog
 
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