From the web page http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/specialstuff/cybersmarts/cybrsmrt.htm
Cybersmarts: Tips for Protecting Yourself When Shopping Online
The Internet is an exciting tool that puts
vast information at your fingertips. With a
click of a mouse, it lets you buy an airline
ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a
friend, or purchase your favorite stock.
Good deals, convenience and choices abound
on the Internet. But before you use all the
Internet has to offer, be cybersmart and
make your online experience safe.
Security on the Internet
Privacy on the Internet
Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find
shopping in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet is
always open - seven days a week, 24 hours a day. And, bargains
can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet also can be as
safe as shopping in a store or by mail. Keep in mind the
following tips to help ensure that your online shopping
experience is a safe one.
Use a secure browser.
This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your
browser should comply with industry security standards, such as
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or SET Secure Electronic Transaction.
These standards encrypt or scramble the purchase information you
send over the Internet, ensuring the security of your
transaction. Most computers come with a browser already
installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the
Internet.
Shop with companies you know.
Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you're
not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or
brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services.
Also, determine the company's refund and return policies before
you place your order.
Keep your password(s) private.
Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to
anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date, or a portion
of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of
numbers, letters, and symbols.
Pay by credit or charge card.
If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction
will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this
law, consumers have the right to dispute charges under certain
circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the
creditor is investigating them. In the case of unauthorized use
of a consumer's credit or charge card, consumers are generally
held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some cards may
provide additional warranty or purchase protection benefits.
Keep a record.
Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation
number for your records. Also, you should know that 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, and if there are
delays, the company must notify you.
Pay your bills online.
Some companies let you pay bills and check your account status
online. Before you sign up for any service, evaluate how the
company is securing your financial and personal information.
Many companies explain their security procedures on their Web
site. If you don't see a security description, call or email the
company and ask.
Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect
information about you and potentially give that information to
others. While the Internet can serve as a tremendous resource
for information, products and services, you should be sure to
safeguard your privacy online by following these tips.
Keep your personal information private.
Don't disclose personal information--such as your address,
telephone number, Social Security number or email
address--unless you know who's collecting the information, why
they're collecting it and how they'll use it. If you have
children, teach them to check with you before giving out
personal or family information online.
Look for a company's online privacy policy.
Many companies with privacy practices post their privacy policy
on their Web site. A company's privacy policy should disclose
what information is being collected on the Web site and how that
information is being used. Before you provide a company with
personal information, check its privacy policy. If you can't
find a policy, send an email or written message to the Web site
to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the
site.
EASY AS ABC
When exploring online, think ABC to remember the privacy and
security questions you should ask about a company. | About me.
What information does the company collect about me and is it
secure?
Benefits. How does the company use that information and what is
the benefit to me?
Choices. What choices do I have about the company's use of
information about me? Can I opt out of the information uses and
how?
Make choices.
Many companies give you a choice on their Web site as to
whether and how your personal information is used. These
companies allow you to decline--or "opt-out" of--having personal
information, such as your email address, used or shared with
other companies. Look for this as part of the company's privacy
policy.
For More Information
If you would like additional copies of this brochure, please
send your request to: American Express Company, P.O. Box 4635,
Trenton, NJ 08650-9874.
This brochure was prepared by:
American Express Company. For information about the and its
Customer Internet Privacy Statement--which provides a full
description of Web site security, information collection and
use, and how to decline email offers--visit
www.americanexpress.com.
Call For Action, Inc. (CFA). CFA is an international, non-profit
network of consumer hotlines affiliated with local broadcast
partners. Volunteers assist, educate, and solve consumer
problems through free and confidential mediation. Help is
available to individuals, small businesses, and the hearing and
speech impaired via text telephone. The ABC's of Privacy, which
describes how consumers can protect their personal privacy
online, can be accessed at www.callforaction.org. You also can
contact Call For Action at 5272 River Road, Suite 300, Bethesda,
Maryland, 20816; 301-657-8260.
The Consumer Information Center (CIC). CIC publishes the
Consumer Information Catalog, which lists more than 200
publications from a variety of federal agencies. You can access
the Catalog and the full-text of all its publications at
www.pueblo.gsa.gov. You also can contact CIC for a free Catalog
at: Consumer Information Catalog, Pueblo, CO 81009; (719)
948-4000.
The Direct Marketing Association (The DMA). The Direct Marketing
Association is a trade association of catalogers, financial
services firms, publishers, book and music clubs, online service
companies, and others involved in direct and database marketing.
The DMA's Mail Order Action Line acts as an intermediary between
consumers and companies to resolve complaints. It can be
contacted at 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, D.C.
20036. Or, you can contact The DMA by email at
[log in to unmask]
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC's Bureau of Consumer
Protection strives to protect consumers against unfair,
deceptive or fraudulent practices. The FTC publishes brochures
on topics such as automobiles, credit, health and fitness,
investments, products and services and telemarketing. You can
file a complaint or contact the FTC at: Consumer Response
Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580; (202)
FTC-HELP; or TDD: (202) 326-2502.
Published by American Express Company in cooperation with Call
For Action, The Consumer Information Center, and The Direct
Marketing Association. Information was prepared with the
assistance of The Federal Trade Commission. This document may be
reproduced for nonprofit educational purposes.
(c) 1998, American Express Company, Consumer Affairs Office, 801
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
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End of Document
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