Tips to keep you safe while shopping online

Shopping online can be fun and rewarding, but there are a few basic things you should know before you begin. Follow these tips to shop smart and stay safe with Visa.

Online purchasing safety tips

Shop only at Internet merchants you know and trust; if in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau

Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices on popular toys, software or other gifts; if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you receive an unsolicited email from an Internet merchant, do not click on the links within it. Instead, locate the merchant’s Web site address through a reputable search engine or type the known address.

Check Internet merchants’ refund policies; some merchants set a deadline for returns or charge a fee to accept returned merchandise.

Never share your passwords with anyone. Use different passwords for different Web sites.

Do not provide your social security number, birth date, or mother’s maiden name in an email or within a Web site.

Ensure your computer has the latest anti-virus software installed before shopping online.

Always print and save the confirmation page when completing an online purchase.

Don’t wait for paper statements. Check your credit card and bank statements for suspicious activity by either calling your bank or visiting your financial institution’s Web site.

Shop at trusted online retailers

You wouldn't shop at a brick-and-mortar store you didn't trust, so make sure you're as vigilant about your online retail choices. Buy from trusted sources, and if you're not sure do your research. Perform a background check, request a catalog by mail, or talk to a customer service representative for more information. You can also look for third-party seals of approval to get additional peace of mind.

Pay with your Visa card

Using your Visa card online is both safe and easy. You’re protected in exactly the same way you are when using your card at a store, ordering from a catalog by mail, or placing an order over the phone. In case of a problem, Visa provides 100 percent protection against card theft, loss, or unauthorized use through the Zero Liability* program.

Read return and shipping information

When calculating the final cost of a purchase, don’t forget shipping and handling charges. If you’re doing business with a merchant located in another state or country, taxes and international costs may apply. Before you buy, check the merchant site for a description of charges that will apply to your purchase.

Look for signs of security

Protect your private information while shopping online. Look for a padlock in the status bar at the bottom of the browser window, a URL that begins "https://", or the words "Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)." These signs indicate that only you and the merchant can view your payment information.

Keep your information and records safe

Never send payment information via email. Information that travels over the Internet (like email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. All reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data from being read by others as you conduct an online transaction.

And just as you save store receipts after you've completed an in-store purchase, you should keep records of your Internet purchases. These records are just like the receipt you'd get in a store.

Here are some tips on keeping your data secure:

• Buy over a secure computer
  Use the latest version of your browser's software and check to be sure your computer's operating system software is up to date. See Look for signs of security for more information.
• Protect your password
  Creating a strong password is key. Don’t use the obvious (such as your birthday, nickname, mother’s maiden name, phone number or the name of your pet) and use six or more characters (mix letters and numbers and use upper-case and lower-case letters) if possible. Try to create a new password for each site—and never share it with anyone.
• Be careful of one-click shopping
  Although it’s convenient to have your information stored and easy to access, never use this feature on a public computer.

Review the privacy statement

Whether it's called Terms of Use, Terms and Conditions or a Privacy Statement, reputable online merchants should post details on their site about how they use your information. Check their policies carefully and make sure they're not selling your information to outside sources.

Also, be prudent about what information you reveal for a purchase—some things, like credit card numbers, are necessary. But if a question seems too invasive—like your social security number—skip it.

Never provide your credit card number as proof of your age

If a merchant requests that you provide your Visa card number as proof of your age, do not give this information. A card number does not verify one’s age. When you pay online, make sure that you are using a secure browser and always look for the merchant’s privacy policy and an explanation of how you are protected.

Get the facts on Internet gambling

Internet gambling may be illegal where you live. Display of a payment card logo by an online merchant does not mean that Internet gambling transactions are lawful in all jurisdictions in which cardholders are located.

Buying prescription drugs online

Use caution when purchasing prescription medications from Internet pharmacies. Although there are many reputable Internet pharmacies that provide prescription drugs, there are Web sites that may engage in the illegal sale of medicines or the sale of sub-standard medications. Visa urges you to take precautionary measures to protect yourself. Distribution of prescription drugs is highly regulated in the U.S and internationally, with the intent of ensuring quality control and use standards.

Regulations regarding prescription drugs (how they are classified and distributed) vary in markets outside the U.S. As noted in all Visa cardholder agreements, cardholders are responsible for ensuring that their Visa card is used for only legal transactions. This may involve the laws and regulations of more than one state or country for transactions involving merchants and consumers in different places. It is best to check with relevant authorities.

Determine whether the Internet pharmacy you intend to use is certified by a reputable seal program. One such program is the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practices Sites Program (VIPPS) operated by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Consumers can review a list of VIPPS-approved Internet pharmacies by visiting its Web site.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines for consumers wishing to purchase their prescriptions online. Consumers should be aware that some prescription drugs require special safety restrictions and should not be purchased online as stated by the FDA. For additional information, refer to the FDA’s Web site regarding Consumer Safety Alerts.