Online shopping has become a convenient alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar store.  It has provided a method of easily finding what you're looking for or the best price without ever leaving your home, yet still some consumers still shy away because they believe it's too risky. 

In fact online shopping is quite safe, as long as you follow precautions.  According to the director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, the majority of identity theft occurred off-line with criminals intercepting mail or skimming data from carelessly discarded credit card receipts. Some scam artists bluff their way past bank tellers and credit bureaus. Armed with Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and other confidential personal information, crooks can then apply for credit cards or bank loans, set up cell phone service or pass bad checks under someone else's name.   Identity theft is also connected to other crimes, such as bank fraud, credit card fraud or misuse of counterfeit financial instruments. 

There are a few basic things you can learn to make your online shopping experience more secure.  In addition you must use the same instincts and experiences you've developed as a brick-and-mortar consumer to the internet.

• Make sure the seller or merchant uses a secure website.  You should only shop at websites that offer encryption protection.  This can be determined by one of three features:  an address that starts with https (the "s" indicates "secure") instead of http; a small lock/key symbol at the bottom of your browser window; and a warning box that pops up at the point of purchase.  If you want to order an item that does not use a secure certificate contact the seller by phone.  Never send a credit card number by e-mail.

• Use a credit card with a safe online shopping guarantee.  Under U.S. law your potential liability for unauthorized use of your credit card is limited to fifty dollars, and some companies offer a hundred percent coverage.  If you still feel wary, check to see if your credit card company offers one-time payment methods to their card holders.  This is done by providing substitute numbers.  Substitute numbers are valid for a single purchase and immediately thereafter, they expire.  It's also helpful to use only one card for online purchasing so you can review transactions easily and you'll be more likely to notice a problem early on.

• Look and read the website's privacy and security policy.  Be cautious of a website that doesn't have a privacy and security policy or does not guarantee your personal information will not be sold.  Do not provide more information than is necessary to complete the transaction and never respond to unsolicited e-mail that requires you to provide any personal information such as your bank account number or social security number.

• Do not use the same username and password at every website and do not share your passwords with anyone.  Should your personal information be compromised, a thief won't get very far if you use a different usernames and passwords.

• Research the merchant.  Many websites as bizrate.com or reviews.cnet.com let consumers evaluate hundreds of different merchants on criteria such as expectations met, customer service and policies and content.   In some cases you can find out more by visiting the Better Business Bureau's website www.bbb.org or TRUSTe™ at www.TRUSTe.org.  If you're unable to learn who owns an online store, where offices are located, or the warranty and return policies, you may want to avoid them.  Only do business with online vendors you can trust.

• Protect your computer.  Safeguard your digital means of commerce just as you would your physical files and currency at home.  Symantec provides a variety of tools to give you the protection you need.  Norton Personal Firewall™ hides your computer from hackers and prevents identity thieves for obtaining your personal information.  It helps root out unwanted spyware and cookies, protecting your online activities from prying eyes.  Norton AntiVirus™ detects Trojan horses and other threats that could be used to invade your machine and compromise your data.  If you do not have a form of these software products on your computer then you can at least clear your cache and delete all temporary files and cookies from your system.  You can also setup IE or Netscape so that encrypted pages are not cached.  Instructions for this are specific to the version of the web browser.  Check the appropriate website for more information or contact the UCS Helpdesk for assistance.

• Despite the convenience, there are some instances you should be wary of purchasing online.  Don't abandon common sense and regular shopping habits.  Shop around for before making a major purchase.  Be careful when engaging in online auctions.  Know the item's worth and make sure you read and understand the auction's rules.  Purchasing unique and expensive collectibles over the web should seriously be considered.

If you feel you have become a victim of identity theft, you can file a complaint at
www.ftc.gov: The Federal Trade Commission, either online or by telephone toll free at 1-877-ID-THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 202-326-2502 or By mail to:
Consumer Response Center, FTC
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580

If you suspect your Social Security number is being fraudulently used contact www.ssa.gov: The Social Security Administration or call 800-269-0271 to report the fraud.

If you suspect the improper use of identification information in connection with tax violations contact www.irs.treas.gov: The Internal Revenue Service or call 1-800-829-0433 to report the violations.

If you suspect fraud through the US Postal Service contact www.framed.usps.com/postalinspectors: US Postal Inspection Service fraud complaint unit, 800-372-8347 or 612-349-0301 locally.

In addition you can contact the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies:

1. www.equifax.com: Equifax

• To report fraud, call (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250.
• To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241, or call (800) 685-1111.
• To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report.
• To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit, call (888) 567-8688 or write to Equifax Options, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta GA 30374-0123.

2. www.experian.com: Experian (Formerly TRW)

• To report fraud, call (888) EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013.
• Allen TX 75013, or call (888) EXPERIAN.
• To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report.   To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states): P.O. Box 2104,
• To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call (800) 353-0809 or (888) 5OPTOUT or write to P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX 75013.

3. www.tuc.com: Trans Union

• To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634.
• To order a copy of your credit report ($8 in most states), write to P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064 or call: (800) 888-4213.
• To dispute information in your report, call the phone number provided on your credit report.
• To opt out of pre-approved offers of credit and marketing lists, call (800) 680-7293 or (888) 5OPTOUT or write to P.O Box 97328, Jackson, MS 39238.

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