NEW YORK - The weather has turned, loads of shopping still needs to be done and the holiday season is almost upon us. Sounds a familiar scenario? But do not fret, for unlike all those past years, we have a savior now. Online shopping.
It is a new way of getting all your shopping done and what's more at your own convenience as well. Online shopping means no waiting in line at the mall or department stores, no jostling around and of course last minute shopping can be easily done on the Net. Plus a variety of delivery options are available and you do have a wide range of choices. But it is wise to be aware of certain rules before going on that shopping spree:
* Before giving out your credit card details, make sure that your financial information is safe.
* Buy through well-known and secure sites only. A small lock symbol near the bottom right-hand corner of your browser indicates that you are on a secure site. If there is no lock, pick up the phone and place your orders.
* Try and purchase all your stuff on a single credit card. That way you are limiting the damage in case the card is tampered with or your details are stolen.
* Check up on the fact that your computer has updated virus and spyware protection software.
* Change your password periodically and do not save the same onto your system.
Margie Martyn, professor of mathematics and computer science at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, says that setting up a free e-mail account on yahoo or msn for exclusive use for online shopping is a good idea, “Many companies require your e-mail information as part of your account information. Then they sell those addresses to spammers.” She also stresses that it is a great idea to read the End Users Licensing Agreement.
Posted
on : Mon, 07 Nov 2005 01:35 GMT | Credit Cards News
By : Anne Philips
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