Online Shopping Tips

Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet is always open - seven days a week, 24 hours a day. And, bargains can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet also can be as safe as shopping in a store or by mail. Keep in mind the following tips to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.

1. Use a secure browser. This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or SET Secure Electronic Transaction. These standards encrypt or scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, ensuring the security of your transaction. Most computers come with a secure browser already installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.

2. Before entering your credit card information onto any Internet site, read the company's security or privacy policy before you buy. A secure site will have a URL that begins with "https" (instead of "http").

Most browsers will alert you to the fact that you are going to a secure (or unsecured) page. Do not give out your credit card number in a non-secure environment. If you are unclear about a site's online practices, email or call them directly.

3. Shop with companies you know. Shop at well-known sites (e.g. those recommended by your union and AFL-CIO) that encrypt your personal information to limit the risk that someone could use your account information fraudulently. Also, determine the company's refund and return policies before you place your order.

4. Pay by credit or charge card. It is better to use a credit card than a bank debit card for on-line purchases. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are liable for a maximum of $50 if a credit card is used fraudulently. Most debit cards don't offer such protection. (There is $0 liability with the Union Plus credit cards.)

Your Union Plus Credit Card protects you when you shop online. You have zero liability if your credit card is used illegally - you will not be responsible for authorized transactions. We guarantee it. However, before entering your credit card information onto any Internet site, read the company's security policy and shop at well-known sites that encrypt your personal information to limit your risk.

5. Use the same credit card for all purchases from an Internet Retailer. This will make it easier to isolate that credit card and identify any fraudulent charges. Also, try not to use a credit card with a very large limit. With the Union Plus Credit Card, there is no liability for a lost or stolen credit card or credit card number, so it's a perfect choice to help protect you when shopping online.

6. Keep your password(s) private. Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date, or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols since these are toughter to .

7. Be wary of "phishing" and other online ploys designed to steal your personal financial information.

• Never provide your credit card information within an email; only provide it on a known, secure Web site.
• Don't provide personal account or social security numbers.

8. Keep a record. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the federal Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers orders made via the Internet. This means that unless stated otherwise, merchandise must be delivered within 30 days, and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

9. Be wary of sites that take more than 24 hours to process your transactions.