 People shop online in large numbers to save time and avoid crowded stores (not to mention gas) during the holiday season.
Unfortunately, increased online shopping also provides cyberthieves with new potential victims. Research shows that shoppers are at increased risk of online crime during the holidays, especially if they use a retailer that they're not familiar with because the retailer offers free shipping or discounts.
If you don't know an online retailer by its brand or reputation, these tips can help you determine whether they're operating a secure and trustworthy Web site before you enter your credit card number or personal information. Update your Web browserInternet Explorer 7 includes improved security features that make it easier to see which sites provide more secure data exchange, so you can shop and bank online with confidence. To learn more see Internet Explorer 7: Help protect against identity theft and more. Visit the Internet Explorer Web site to download and install the browser now. Before you select a store| • | Do a background check. Look for a physical address (not a Post Office box), request a catalog by mail, or call and talk to a company representative. | | • | Explore the Web site for third-party seals of approval such as: 
BBBOnLine (Better Business Bureau Online) or 
TRUSTe Companies can put these seals on their sites if they abide by a set of rigorous standards—such as how complaints and disputes will be resolved and how personal information can be used. If you don't see these seals on the site, look in the privacy policy or "Terms & Conditions" which should be clearly posted on the site.  Tip: If you do see the seals above, click them to make sure they link to the organization that created them. Some unscrupulous merchants put these logos on their sites without permission, and they're less likely to get caught if they don't link back to the site. | | • | Find out what other shoppers have to say about an online store on comparison sites such as Epinions or Bizrate. These sites have customer evaluations built into their design with a number of smiley faces or stars. You can also type the company's name into a search engine to check for unfavorable reviews. | | • | Review their shipping methods and policies to determine what carriers they use, their shipping rates, and if they provide tracking and insurance. Also, look for information about the return policy. Some retailers give customers extra time so gifts can be returned or exchanged after the holidays; others give you as little as a week — if they accept returns at all. A number of retailers offer shorter return windows for certain products, and can charge "restocking" fees. Find out who covers the shipping cost — the customer or the merchant — on a return or exchange, or if your online purchase can be returned to a brick-and-mortar store. Also find out where they ship from — goods are sometimes sent from international locations, which require customs and extra time. |
Before you enter your credit card numberSo, you've found the perfect item at the perfect price and you're ready the purchase. Credit cards are usually a safe option because you can seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn't delivered or isn't what you ordered.Before you enter your credit card number, make sure the store you've chosen abides by the following rules. | • | The company should only require personal information that's necessary to complete the purchase. You will probably enter your credit card number, address, and telephone number. Be wary if they ask for other information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or your mother's maiden name. Note: Some reputable companies might ask you to specify your interests by checking certain boxes. You should not be required to provide this information to complete the purchase.
| | • | Know what you’re getting. Read the seller's product description closely. Name-brand items with "too-good-to-be-true" prices could be counterfeit.
| | • | The Web site should use secure technology. When you get to the screen where you enter your credit card number or other personal information, make sure that the Web address begins with https (for example, https://www.tailspintoys.com/) and check for the tiny locked padlock. |
If you use Internet Explorer 7 you get another layer of protection when you visit sites that use Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates. The address bar turns green to alert you that there is more information available about the Web site. The identity of the Web site owner is also displayed on the address bar.
 An EV SSL certificate not only helps ensures that the communication with a Web site is secure, but also includes information about the owner of the Web site, which has been identified by the Certification Authority (CA) issuing the SSL Certificate. For more information, see Internet Explorer and Extended Validation SSL certificates. Watch out for fraudulent e-mailLegitimate companies don’t send unsolicited e-mail messages asking for your password or login name, or your financial information. But scammers do. In fact, crooks often send e-mail messages that look like they’re from legitimate companies. Delete these e-mail messages. Criminals are trying to collect your personal information to commit identity theft or other crimes. Sometimes, just clicking a link in a fraudulent e-mail message from an unfamiliar source could install spyware on your computer.
For more information, see Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.
Buy only Genuine Microsoft softwareCounterfeit or pirated software can corrupt your system, make you lose data, and lead to identity theft. If Microsoft software is on your holiday gift list this season, help make sure you're buying the real thing by reading the Guide to Purchasing Genuine Microsoft software. Trust your instinctsIf a site matches all the criteria above, then there's a good chance that the site is both legitimate and reliable. But as with most things online or off, if you get a bad feeling about a store, skip it and shop somewhere else.
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