Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

The influx of dotcom companies has brought a new dimension to shopping for products and services. With more and more consumers grabbing for the mouse when a need arises, companies have created web sites that allow you to purchase everything from pet food to appliances on-line.

Safe holiday shopping on the internet Jennifer Hunt

Economic indicators predict that consumers will continue to increase spending, especially during the holidays. During the last quarter of 1999, recorded worldwide sales for holiday purchases were $10.5 billion; that figure is expected to increase 85 percent this year to $19.5 billion. Many of these sales will come from on-line holiday purchases.

Shopping on the Internet for a holiday gift is relatively safe, easy, fun and convenient. However, it's important to remember that you are connected globally to other computer systems. The connection to other computers provides ease of information sharing. The ease of information sharing also opens the opportunity for information to be used in an inappropriate manner. To protect your personal information such as credit card numbers and bank account information online, follow these simple safety guidelines to have the best holiday shopping experience.

A secure system with a secure browser should be used. A secure system will have an IP address that begins with https. This stands for hypertext transfer protocol secured. A lock in the bottom right of the computer screen should appear closed when the system is secure. An unlocked key indicates the site is not secure.

Make sure to keep your computer logons and passwords confidential. Create logons and passwords that are not easy for another person to guess. Try not to use dates of birth, anniversaries or names of close relatives or friends.

Always be aware of a company's privacy policy. A company's privacy policy explains how the company uses the personal data collected on users. The privacy policy should be available on-line or by calling the corporate number. You can also look for the Better Business Bureau's Privacy Seal. The seal means the Better Business Bureau On-Line has verified the company's commitment to its privacy policy.

Conduct business with reputable companies. Research the company you are purchasing from. Familiarity with a company provides the knowledge base of the product and service you should receive.

When you make a purchase on-line, the company may issue a confirmation number for the item. The confirmation number allows the company to track the item if necessary and serves as a receipt for the transaction. It's a good idea to print a copy of the confirmation number for your records.

After completion of on-line transactions, make sure to logout of the site. Logging out of a site ensures that your personal information is not stored where other computers can view the information. Once you have logged out, a message may appear thanking you for using the site and confirming that you have logged out successfully.

If you have questions regarding a business or site on the Internet, contact the Better Business Bureau On-Line, Inc. This is a subsidiary of the Better Business Bureau that works to promote trust and security on the Internet.

Jennifer Hunt, extension educator, consumer and family economics, University of Illinois Extension, Springfield Center.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING• NOVEMBER 2000