Secure Online Shopping

1.

Use Secure Browser/Website

Your browser should comply with industry security standards such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Secure Electronic Transaction (SET). These standards encrypt (scramble) the purchase information you send over the Internet, ensuring the security of your transaction. A safe site will show a symbol of an unbroken key, a picture of a closed lock, or a Web address that begins with "https."(Look for the letter "s.") In addition to locks and keys most browsers also display a warning message before you send information to a site. This dialog box should inform you whether you're sending to a secure or unsecure site. You may cancel at this point if you wish.

Another way to verify a secure site is with a "certificate." Currently, VeriSign, Inc. is a provider of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificate solutions used by enterprises, Web sites, and consumers to conduct secure communications and transactions over the Internet and private networks. The company has formed strategic partnerships with many companies. All the Web sites presented on CureSkinDisorder.com use this certificate technology to ensure that their customers' privacy and money are protected.

2.

Keep your private information private

3.

Shop with companies you know

If you're not familiar with the company, try asking for a paper catalog or a brochure. Ask about the company's shipping charges, as well as their privacy, refund, and return policies. Always find a mailing address and phone number for the company.

4.

Pay with a credit or charge card

Shopping online requires that you pay for the purchase with a credit or charge card at the time you order. If you pay with a credit or charge card your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. By law, consumers have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances. In the case of unauthorized use of a consumer's credit card, you are usually held liable for only the first $50 in charges. Some cards may provide additional warranty or purchase protection benefits. Some suggestions on using a credit or charge card online include the following:

Start small - Purchase a small item to test the shopping waters before you invest too much time and money.

Use a separate credit or charge card for online shopping - Just as you may use only one card for business travel, you should use only one card for online shopping. This will allow you to track your online purchases easily.

Keep a record of your purchase - Print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. The Federal Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers orders made via the Internet. This means that, unless stated otherwise, merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; if there are delays, the company must notify you.

5.

Completing forms on the Internet

A form is an area in a Web page where you can supply information that will be sent back to the Web server. Forms are one part of Web browsing where you need to be careful. Why are forms sometimes risky? When you fill in a form and click the "submit" button, you send the information you supplied in the form to the server. If you are sending information that isn't private there is no reason to be concerned. However, some forms want more from you, including such sensitive information as your name, e-mail address, mailing address or telephone number, credit card number, and Social Security number.

A form usually collects personal information when you are making a purchase, or when joining an online organization. A growing number of sites prompt you to "join" the site in order to view/use it. To join you must supply information about yourself. If you're concerned about privacy, an easy way to protect yourself is to never fill out one of these forms. If you are tempted to do so to purchase a product or join an organization, ask yourself these questions:

• Is the information requested by the form really necessary?
• Do I trust the owners of this site with my information?
• Is the site secure?
• Does the site have a security/privacy policy?