How-To's on safe online shopping

The Internet has become a popular place to shop. While it may be a convenient way to shop, there are precautions consumers should follow when shopping online.

The Federal Trade Commission encourages taking the following steps to make sure transactions are secure and personal information is protected.

Use a secure browser. Software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information sent over the Internet guards the security of your information as it is transmitted to a website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer. When submitting purchase information, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar, and the phrase "https" rather than "http" in the URL address for a website, to be sure your information is secure during transmission.

Check the site's privacy policy before providing any personal financial information to a website. In particular, determine how the information will be used or shared with others. Also check the site's statements about the security provided for your information. Some websites' disclosures are easier to find than others--look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the "About" of "FAQs" section of a site. If you're not comfortable with the policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

Read and understand the refund and shipping policies of a website before making a purchase. Look closely at disclosures about the website's refund and shipping policies.

Keep personal information private. Don't disclose personal information such as address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number or email address unless you know who's collecting the information, why they're collecting it and how they'll use it.

Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust, and only when and where it is appropriate -- like an order form. Never give your password to anyone online, even your Internet service provider. Do not download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you don't know. Opening a file could expose your system to a computer virus or a program that could hijack your modem.

Keep records of online transactions and check your e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom you're doing business. Merchants may send you important information about your purchases.

Review monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

The office of Kansas Attorney General Steve Six has a very complete guide to help a person whose identity has been stolen. The guide lists step by step actions a consumer needs to take if they suspect that someone has obtained their personal information. The Identity Theft Repair Kit is available to download online at www.ksag.org or by calling (800) 432-2310.

Editor's Note: Ann Ludlum is a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720 or aludlum@ksu.edu.