| "Always print and keep a copy of your
order" |
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| Comfort of your home
All you need is internet access and a credit card and you're on
your way to shopping haven. Shopping via the Internet gives
your more choices through accessibility to an unlimited range
of online stores worldwide. Plus you get to do this all within
the comfort of your home.
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More time
As most people complain about the lack of time having to cram the
last minute shopping into their schedule, the flexibility of
online shopping relieves the stress of gathering information
of a product and fighting for that last piece of blouse that
you have been wanting to get- but never had the time. With the
Internet, you can spend as much time as you want, at your own
pace.
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Payment Made Easy
The payment for purchases through the Internet have become flexible
with more payment options being offered. If you are uncertain
about using your credit card, there are always options such
as invoice billing, smart cards (using a reader) and digital
wallet (where you can authorize which bank account to be credited
from).
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The woes of secure credit card payment can
be overcome if you are aware of the process sending confidential
information to maintain confidentiality. Companies that provide
a secure infrastructure usually implement an extensive authentication
measure such as verification from the credit card company and the
use of digital signature to ensure true authentication of customers.
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When asked for your credit card details, check
that you are offered a secure transaction through the company's
explanation of encryption methods used. The encryption software
will scramble your personal data so that it will not be tampered
or accessed except for the recipient.
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| You can be more comfortable with making purchases online, if you
play a part by taking the necessary precautions : |
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Request for your credit card company to
issue you with a special credit card to be used for online
purchases. A low credit limit will make you a less obvious
target for fraudsters;
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Reduce the credit limit on this card to
a realistic amount, reflecting how much you spend online
a month.
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Find out from the customer service department
of your credit card company the following: - Do they keep
an eye on buying patterns so that they can spot an unusual
activity? If they do see something unusual, what is their
reaction or procedure? Do they phone, write, fax to you or
cancel the card?
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Always print and keep a copy of your
order or any Web pages showing the details of your transaction.
If someone abuses your credit card information, you can use
it to trace the people who share your card information and
to establish your buying pattern;
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Always open and check your credit card
statement on arrival. Ignoring the statement implies you
agree to the contents.
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Deal only with merchants who have secure
online transactions. A secure site is usually authenticated
with certification from companies such as Verisign or Digicert
(Malaysian-based).
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Don't trust the phone. Cheeky impostors
will call your house, pretending to be officials checking
your credit card details;
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Don't give credit card information to
people who call you. Ask for their names and call the company
back after you've made sure the number matches the correct
company name.
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Be careful not to sacrifice your privacy
and always read the Privacy Agreement prior to submitting
your personal information.
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