Information Security Research Institute/Newsletter/CYBER SECURITY AND e-SHOPPING

CYBER SECURITY AND e-SHOPPING

To protect your privacy while e-shopping, here are a few tips:

Be familiar with the merchant. Many online merchants are just an extension of the services they offer on their premises. They may be physically located next door to you but it is quicker to make online transactions.

Even if you know the merchant, make sure the site is secure. A graphic, such as a lock, should appear in the bottom right corner of your browser bar.

Before ordering online, read the company's privacy policy. If a privacy policy does not exist, contact the company and request one. This information is vital. You need to know what they intend to do with your personal information.

Never give your bank account numbers or social security number to an on-line merchant. It is safest to shop with a low-limit credit card.

Read the company's return policy before placing an order. Make sure that the company's name, phone number, address, and a contact person is provided. You may want to call the toll-free number to verify this information.

Print a copy of the purchase order for your records. You may need the confirmation number if your shipment is lost or delayed.

Know the shipping fees before you order. Shipping costs vary so never assume they are the same from merchant to merchant.

Comparison shop! Visit several web sites and compare prices. Don't forget to compare shipping costs also.

Remember that online shopping is no different than shopping off-line. You will find reputable and disreputable businesses in both worlds.

There are organizations that provide detailed information about conducting online transactions. One of these sites is the Better Business Bureau OnLine. When considering an online purchase, check the site for the BBBOnLine Reliability Seal. Another organization is TRUSTe. Check for their seal, called a "trustmark" on a website before making a purchase or giving personal information. Read the information provided on the Better Business Bureau OnLine and TRUSTe websites

Make your Internet experience a pleasant one!

STEPS TO FOLLOW IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT

A. ACT QUICKLY TO prevent the thief from making further use of the victim's identity and may make the process or restoring he victim's name less burdensome.

B. REPORT the crime to the police immediately. Creditors, banks, credit reporting agencies and insurance agencies companies may require you to provide a police report to verify that you are a victim of identity theft.

C. REPORT the crime to the fraud units of the three major credit cards agencies. Inform each agency of the theft of your identifying information.

D. REQUEST that a fraud alert be placed on your file at each of the three credit reporting agencies (details on how to do this on the website).

E. REQUEST a copy of your credit report from each agency (details on website). Check each report carefully. Look for accounts that you have not opened or applied for, inquires you have not made and defaults and delinquencies that you have not caused.

F. CLOSE existing accounts with credit card issuers. Ask for a replacement card with new account numbers.

G. CONTACT your bank immediately and inform them that you are a victim of identity fraud. Close your existing accounts and open new ones with new account numbers. Ask the bank to use a unique indentifier for your accounts. Get a new ATM card and PIN.

H. NOTIFY your utility companies that you are a victim of identity theft and alert them to the possibility that a thief may use your name to open up new accounts. Also, alert your long distance carrier and your cell phone, pager, and Internet providers.

I. NOTIFY the U.S. Postal Inspector, the Federal Trade Commissioner, and others listed on our Website-these agencies maintain identity theft databases.

J. KEEP a log of the date, time, and details of all personal and telephones conversations regarding the theft.

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