Distributing your credit card number online can actually be safer than using it in a restaurant or at the supermarket.  In both these situations you use physical clues about your surroundings to determine whether or not you feel comfortable sharing your credit card number with the business.  The biggest difference in the online world is that you lack physical clues to decide whether or not the business you are dealing with is reputable.  The overwhelming majority of online transactions are completed without incident.  The following guidelines should help guide you in all your online purchases:

• Keep your passwords private.
• When creating a password use at least 8 characters.  Including a combination of numbers and letters is best.  Do not use personal information that can be easily guessed such as your date of birth or your name.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. 
• Remember to change your password regularly. 
• Always log out when you complete an online session; especially when you are using a public computer.
• Research the company prior to initiating a transaction.  Information about the company should be readily available on their website and include their street address, phone number and fax number. 
• Since you can’t touch or see products online ensure you have a detailed product description before making a purchase. 
• Make sure you know the total price of your purchases, including shipping and handling fees, taxes and duties, as well as what currency is used. 
• Find out about shipping procedures and delivery options. 
• Understand the company’s Terms and Conditions of Use, Refund Policy, Security Policy and Privacy Policy.
• Save copies of all documentation related to your online transactions.
• Check you are on a secure website before providing personal information.  To do this look for one of two things:
  • An icon, often a padlock, located at the bottom of your screen, should be in the locked position when you are visiting a secure site.
  • That the website address starts with https:// (rather than http://) indicating the site is secure.
  • For more information about Secure Socket Layer Technology (SSL) click here. 
• Check the website for quality assurance certificates or seals.  In Internet Explorer you can do this by choosing Properties from the File menu and clicking on Certificates to view any available certificates.  The properties pop-up also states whether you are on a secure site and if the data you submit will be encrypted or not.  In Netscape choose View from the Edit menu and click on the Security Tab.  Just because a site doesn’t have quality assurance certificates or seals it may still be reputable and trustworthy; you should use your own judgment in deciding whether or not to make a purchase.  Use the suggestions on this page as a guide. 
• Be suspicious of any e-mails or calls asking for information such as passwords or personal banking information.  Report these incidences to the business that was being impersonated.
• Be aware that making international purchases involves more risks and costs than making purchases within Canada.
• If is sounds suspicious or too good to be true it probably is. 

For more information about how to be a conscientious online shopper visit Industry Canada at http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inoca-bc.nsf/en/h_ca01677e.html.

If you have questions or concerns please contact us.