|
Question: I am curious about buying things like books and airline tickets on the
Internet, but I am afraid of using my credit card. Should I go ahead and charge
merchandising online?
Answer: Many people are rightfully concerned about giving their credit card
number to something as impersonal as a Web page. They worry that their credit card
accounts will be billed fraudulently for merchandise they don't want or get. The National
Consumers League reports that Consumers lost more than $3.2 million to Internet scams
in 1999. Most of the fraud occurred with online auction sales, sales of general
merchandise, Internet access services, computer equipment and software, and work-at-home plans.
The American Bar Association (ABA) developed a special Web page to answer
worries and concerns about Internet shopping. Go to www.safeshopping.org for more
information.
First of all, use your credit card rather than a check or debit card to pay for
merchandise ordered online. If there is an unauthorized charge on your credit card, you
are protected by federal law from paying more than $50. Check the Web site information
carefully. Some Web sites say that under certain circumstances, they will even cover the
$50 cost for you. Be sure to check your credit card bill when it arrives to ensure that there
are no fraudulent charges.
The ABA site suggests that you might want to have a credit card used only for
Internet purchases. If you have a problem, you will still have a credit card to use for your
off-line purchases.
When giving your credit card number for a purchase, use the same caution as
giving it over the phone. Use your credit card number only when you have initiated the
contact. Never give your credit card number to someone who contacts you.
Many Web sites inform you that they use technology to scramble your credit card
information so it is not available to Internet crooks. These sites often will give you a
special message that informs you that they are using encrypting technology to protect
your card. Other symbols of security software include icons such as a locked padlock at
the bottom of the screen, an unbroken key, or a lock on the status bar.
For more information, contact your local
Colorado State University Extension office.
|
