6 tips to safer online shopping

6 tips to safer online shopping

Online shopping as a concept is emerging in our country, as the socio-economic dynamics propel our economy.

Shopping propensity is on a steep rise. The online medium of shopping is undeniably a lucrative medium for the entire chain from the manufacturers/producers, traders, marketers, to the final consumer.

But it has its pitfalls too, which are often overlooked by most shoppers. So the next time you shop online, do heed the following tips:

Link of a website
Be very sure of the website address; this is reflected in the address bar of your computer browser. This is recommended every time you access a website from a link given elsewhere. Always type the website address into the address bar.

Look for a lock sign
You are vulnerable to identity theft when you are entering your information. To make sure your website is safe, look for a picture of closed lock in the browser window.

Know your privacy
The seller can share the information or sell it, it’s always suggested to check the privacy policy of the seller.

Be wary of emails
You may receive an email that looks like it is from the company where you have shopped online, and may ask you for your personal information, asking you to “verify” the accounts or clear up errors that have occurred.

Secured programmes
If the purchases are made through cards (debit/credit), then make sure that you sign up for the verified by VISA and/or Master secured code programme(s).

Anti spyware/trojan programmes
Ensure that latest version of anti-spyware or anti-trojan programmes are installed, and are being regularly updated.

One more tip :
Check the security certificate of the site by clicking on it.
(You should be redirected to trusted sites like Verisign Or Thawte e.t.c)

Nice Article...

Tha last point Anti spyware/trojan programmes is the most important, coz if you use an updated Anti spyware/trojan programmes then it may give you an instant warning about the possible threats.

Few additional precautions,

1. Use only Credit Cards that provides dynamic password entry at the time of transactions in addition to the 3 digit CVV no.

2. Use only one card for all internet transactions.

3. Set the Credit limit of this card to something like 5-10000. This would reduce the potential loss in case of breach of privacy.

4. Also preferably use a card that generates a mail/sms for any internet transaction.

5. DO NOT use debit card for online purchase.

6. Do not use online banking of ur bank a/c for payment. In case of any breach ur whole a/c becomes vulnerable

Another important point.

Prefer sites which use a virtual keyboard for entering your credit card details.
This is especially important if the PC you're using is not yours.
Keyloggers are a big threat these days.

some banking sites say that paying through online banking is safer than paying through credit cards,as, in the worst case scenario, thru a bank transfer you stand to lose the amount in your acc.but through credit cards, you stand to lose a lot more.

if u have set ur maximum credit limit to 10,000 then that s the maximum amount u can lose, the credit card would be blocked the moment ur card reaches 10000.
But for most of us, the bank a/c may contain a much larger amount.

yes thats true..
but then if you talk abt large amts in the acc, its rare the credit limit will be 10k !!

there are credit cards that allow u to reset the credit limit to a lower amount than that originally assigned by the bank. U can always call up and restore the original limit at any time, if need be.

a little off the topic guys, but what is the minimum age for someone to apply for a credit card?

Originally Posted by Harshytkage

a little off the topic guys, but what is the minimum age for someone to apply for a credit card?

The minimum age required for applying for a credit card is 18 years.
The reason: If you are less then 18 years old,say 16 & you apply for a credit card & get it. And if you don't repay the amount,the bank can't knock the doors of the law as any contract done with minor is not valid.

One more thing always use Virtual keyboard or use such programes that disables all that activity that monitor ur keystrokes like anti-spyware programmes.

i am saying that use virtual key board while doing on line shoping through net banking or anything else dont use ur keyboad just use vkb

//Red Card infraction: Duplicate info posted after a significant amount of time. - just4kix

what is virtual keyboard

//Red Card infraction: First posting info about virtual keyboard and then asking about it - just4kix

Originally Posted by cool_techie_tvm

A software or a hardware component which allows users to enter characters. Usually it is used by disabled people who cannot use conventional keyboards.

Today all banks are using this technology for login in their web sites just clik this link
HDFC Bank - Leading Bank in India, Banking Services, Private Banking, Personal Loan, Car Loan

if u are not having any program that disables ur keystroke then never do netbanking with normal keyboard.

because some one can easily find that which key ur pressing

//Red Card infraction: First posting info about virtual keyboard and then asking about it and now explaining what is Virtual Keyboard is - just4kix

Originally Posted by just4kix

totallyfandu, what is going on? You are being given your last warning with a RED CARD infraction. Next idiotic post from you will earn a 30 day ban.

i am just new to this forum and i just take interest in this forum bacause i know my things thanks and i am active from last one week and i register in last year i read rules two time but nothing is there

Thanks

Originally Posted by just4kix

Totallyfandu, I am not against you. And I hate myself for giving these infractions. But you need to pull up your socks. I appreciate what you are doing - but I find too many knee jerk posts from you.

Rules are generic. Everything cannot be put into the rulebook. There has to be a common sense applied to as well. This is not the first time I warned you - you have two yellow cards and three red cards. Are you an avid card collector?

tell me one more thing that i post one thread and some one remove that i dont know who and that thread again comes in forum 20% discount it is ok

I always use a thing called "Virtual Credit card".

Its a one time use only card and its number changes everytime you generate a new one.
its The most secure way to shop online,


sadly, currently only HDFC bank has this facility

Originally Posted by Gary4gar

I always use a thing called "Virtual Credit card".

Its a one time use only card and its number changes everytime you generate a new one.
its The most secure way to shop online,


sadly, currently only HDFC bank has this facility

Even ICICI bank has this Virtual Credit Card facility. But I have never used as I didn't understand this concept.If anyone would throw some light on this,it would be gr8...

^^ The VCC does not have any plastic existence but can only be viewed online and can only be used for online transactions. The credit limit is the same as that of the primary credit card, however one can specify his own limit on the VCC and the details of purchase made is displayed on the primary statement itself. The key details of your VCC like the card number, expiry date, etc. are visible online.

Source : Virtual Credit Card from ICICI Bank

As. CTT said it does not have a physical existence. the process is also very simple

*You goto bank's website and enter the required amount, like want to buy a pen drive to i enter Rs.201/-
*VCC is generated and you are given the details.
*use that CC number given in payment gateway just like any other normal card.

Even if someone got to know you VCC no, there is no risk as there would be no limit available after you have shopped

Even Axis Bank provides similar facility
Axis Bank | eShop Card

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

what is virtual keyboard

A software or a hardware component which allows users to enter characters. Usually it is used by disabled people who cannot use conventional keyboards.

@ totallyfundu
in post #14 u said

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

i am saying that use virtual key board while doing on line shoping through net banking or anything else dont use ur keyboad just use vkb

now in post #19 u r saying

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

what is virtual keyboard

So if u did not know what is a virtual keyboard, how did u make the first post?
Or is it that u r feigning ignorance in the second post just to increase the post count?

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

One more thing always use Virtual keyboard or use such programes that disables all that activity that monitor ur keystrokes like anti-spyware programmes.

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

i am saying that use virtual key board while doing on line shoping through net banking or anything else dont use ur keyboad just use vkb

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

what is virtual keyboard

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

Today all banks are using this technology for login in their web sites just clik this link
HDFC Bank - Leading Bank in India, Banking Services, Private Banking, Personal Loan, Car Loan

if u are not having any program that disables ur keystroke then never do netbanking with normal keyboard.

because some one can easily find that which key ur pressing

totallyfandu, what is going on? You are being given your last warning with a RED CARD infraction. Next idiotic post from you will earn a 30 day ban.

Totallyfandu, I am not against you. And I hate myself for giving these infractions. But you need to pull up your socks. I appreciate what you are doing - but I find too many knee jerk posts from you.

Rules are generic. Everything cannot be put into the rulebook. There has to be a common sense applied to as well. This is not the first time I warned you - you have two yellow cards and three red cards. Are you an avid card collector?

Originally Posted by totallyfandu

tell me one more thing that i post one thread and some one remove that i dont know who and that thread again comes in forum 20% discount it is ok

Man I just can't decipher your language...what do you mean by 20 % discount !!!

And one more suggestion.

Always prefer sites that use Paypal.You don't need to enter your credit card number every time you use Paypal.Plus you can always file for a dispute if you feel you have been scammed in any way.

Originally Posted by powerdoc

what do you mean by 20 % discount !!!

He maybe quoting the 20% discount in broadband rental given to central employees by BSNL.