Handy Gadgets

There are some interesting insights in an article by attorney Eric J. Sinrod on TechRepublic, where he presents in simple language some useful reminders for online shoppers in particular.

Follow these steps when purchasing online:

• Print copies of all online receipts so that they can be checked against credit card bills.

• Print copies of all guarantees and warranties.

• Do not respond to e-mails asking customers for personal information. Businesses and financial institutions rarely reach out on their own seeking such information. It is better to contact a business directly on your own.

• Online retailers that display Truste and Better Business Bureau seals likely are to be trusted to safeguard personal information.

• Note whether Web sites begin with "https" instead of "http" in the browser area and whether they display a padlock icon in the lower right-hand border of the browser window, as this indicates secure encryption to protect customer identities. • Make sure that online retailers have solid privacy polices that make clear their customers' information will not be sold or transferred after a transaction occurs.

Read: Holiday shoppers, beware

Source: TechRepublic