In 2007, it is believed that more than $100 billion will be spent in online shopping, a number that is up exponentially from just a few years ago. The online shopping “craze” is now an every day part of life. It is more convenient, faster, and usually cheaper than going to a brick and mortar store. The only problem most people have with online shopping is the inherent security risks that are present when passing your credit card number and personal information across the Web.

The average amount of money lost via Internet fraud has more than quadrupled in recent years, with the Internet National Center Watch reporting numbers as high as $2500. That’s as an average. So, it is understandable that the every day consumer wants to be sure they are making the right choices when they buy a product from a website. Luckily, there are some aspects of website security you can watch for to obtain that peace of mind.

Use The Right Card

By using only one credit card for online purchases, one with a low credit limit, you can ensure that if you do fall victim to fraud, the amount of money you lose is minimal. ATM and debit cards can result in emptied bank accounts.

Watch for Unsolicited Offers

When someone offers you a deal that looks too good to be true, it often is. Email scamming and phony website creations rise just as fast as online commerce does and that means there are more people creating ways to try and trick you. Phishers and scammers are clever and can make it seem as though you are getting a good deal from a reputable source. Don’t fall for their tricks though. Always check out any online business before giving them your credit card number and never log into a site through an email address.

The Right E Commerce Sites

Only buy products from websites that provide the information you need to be sure they are real. This means you should look for a listed street address and phone number to contact them. If you are still unsure about their status, look them up in a business registry or call them directly to make sure they have a customer service department. If it is an automated store front, chances are it was set up in 15 minutes by a scammer looking to take your money and run.

Privacy Policies

Accredited websites will always have a privacy policy listed on their site that describes how they handle your information when it is given to them. It is here they must tell you if they are going to give away or sell your personal information to third parties. Sometimes, you can opt-out of this and they will inform you how. If they do not provide a privacy policy or will give away your information no matter what, go to a different website. It is not worth the spam you will receive.

Security on the Site

When you visit an ecommerce site, there should be a tiny lock icon in the bottom right corner of your web browser. This indicates that the site has taken the necessary precautions to keep their ordering and interface secure. The URL should also start with “https” on the site from which you are ordering, marking it as a secure location. Even if a site claims to be legitimate and is, they are just as dangerous if they are unsecure.

When shopping on the Internet, you can find tremendous deals and save a lot of time. But, you need to take the time to make sure you are secure in your ordering. Only then can you be sure you will not have your information or credit card number stolen.