Online
shopping is a wonderful and dangerous way to pass the time. The amount of deals
and products available at our fingertips is immeasurable. The act of simply
pressing a couple of buttons is effortless. It’s easy to get swept up with the
deal of the century and end up in a situation you don’t want to be in. There are many websites out
there that simply want your information rather than provide a guaranteed
product. If a deal seems too good to be true, investigate before committing to
the purchase. Here are a few tips to follow when making an online purchase:
Use Familiar Websites
Start with the name of the company. If it’s unfamiliar or you’ve heard negative comments about it always look for reviews. A great source of information is the BBB or the Better Business Bureau, this is an organization that analyzes the quality of companies and customer reviews. If the website isn’t found or has significant negative reviews don’t chance losing your information in the process of finding a “good” deal.
Check Policies
Once you have approved of the website check to see who
you are purchasing the item from. Many websites, like Amazon, allow you to buy
from individuals along with the company itself. If you are purchasing from an
individual or a secondary company always make sure you check the policies
associated with that particular company or individual. One great example of a
policy to check out is returns. If by chance you aren’t in love with the
product, you want to be sure that you can return it rather than being stuck
with it.
Make Sure Encryption is Used
The most important step is processing the payment. As
with any website you should make sure the web address starts with https://. If it begins with http:// or anything else it is not secure.
Another way to tell if it is safe is to check the lock image, if it is closed
the connection is secure. This means that the personal information you are providing
is being encrypted until it is received to the intended recipient. Even if it
shows a lock, be careful with the information you’re providing. For example, no
online purchase should require you to provide your social security number or
birthday.
Save Confirmation Numbers and Check Statements
Once you click the magic purchase button, the watch doesn’t
stop. Always watch for either a confirmation number or tracking number
associated with your order. This will allow you to question the site if
something goes wrong. Without it, it can be difficult to prove you provided
your information. Also, be aware of your account statements. Checking your
accounts regularly will allow you to notice if a business has billed you and if
it is for the correct amount. If you fail to notify your bank or the business
in time, you could lose the extra amount taken from you.
Double Check Your Order
Finally, that exciting day when your purchase arrives.
Make sure not to get too swept up in the moment, always check the merchandise
sent to you. While many times you will receive exactly what you ordered,
occasionally mistakes occur. This can include either missing items, incorrect
items (ex. the size or color), or incorrect orders. If this occurs always
contact the company and inform them of the issue. Similarly, if your package
doesn’t arrive after the proper amount of time and you’ve checked the tracking
number contact the proper personnel.
Learn more by visiting hornet.emporia.edu and clicking on the "Information Security" tile. Have a great fall semester!
