In this day and age of fraud...it would do everyone well to take heed and be aware that fraud can, and sometimes does, happen via
use of Internet. And truth of matter is, we are in danger of fraudulent actions being taken against us in many other areas of our daily lives, as well. We live in an age of dishonest actions. No one is really exempt, even if they never use Internet. It can happen while standing at an ATM or even in grocery line.
Twenty years ago, a friend of mine began receiving phone calls at home from a complete stranger who apparently had read information off of a check she was writing out for cashier at grocery store.
It is possible for others to go through our garbage - if they are intent on finding information of a personal nature. The fact is, we are unprotected on many fronts when it comes to personal information. If someone is bent on committing ‘information theft ‘ against us, they can find a way to do it without much effort.
The Internet is a safe place - when used wisely.
Shopping on Internet is safe...as long as it is given same consideration as one would use whenever giving out personal information anywhere. There are simple guidelines given us for using an ATM machine, for using Traveler's Checks, and even for using cash. Those same types of guidelines work well for most places we shop.
For example:
• "When using cash - don't flash". Flashing your wad of bills around for others to see is just plain foolish. Keeping your cash in your front shirt or pants pocket is much safer than in your wallet in a back pocket - or in a purse that can be easily snatched from your grip.
• "When using checks - check". Be aware of who is standing around you, and how closely they are positioned to you. Don't offer your information ‘out loud'... if cashier needs your driver's license number, for instance, write it out or show your license to them, only. Be as prepared as possible ahead of time so that less time and less information is required of you during check out process.
• "Your Social Security number should be secure". No one can demand your social security number for purposes of selling you something. It is not lawful. Giving your S.S. number out too freely can be more risky than you realize. Guard it.
These same types of guidelines work well for shopping online, too. If you have to give out more information than you are comfortable with giving...don't. You don't need service or product being offered badly enough to put yourself at unnecessary risk. Reputable ‘Online Shopkeepers' use only trusted sources, such as PayPal and VeriSign, to collect your information...thus showing their genuine concern for your shopping safety...and they display these logos on their website as reassurance to their customers.
