Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

[jhd815]

I've used the internet to purchase products without any problems. When using my cc to make purchases I always look for the "https" and the "lock icon" before going forward with my purchase.

I was wondering what other's experience has been and if you feel safe making purchases online? Have you had any problems? If so, what ?

Just thought it might make for some interesting forum chat.

[cicy33]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

Absolutely. I feel less safe doing it at a store sometimes. I personally have had no problems online. I won't however just fax my info to someone.

[jmjj215]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I have people sometimes want to mail a money order or check to me when they purchase something. It is statistically much safer doing it online (with the security in place you mentioned James) than sending something through the postal system.

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I have never had a problem that I am aware of; however, after recently ordering a few items from a few places, I had a fraud alert placed on my Discover card. I am not sure whether it is from online hackers or the big breach that recently occurred (unbeknownst to me at the time, Discover was also affected). Either way, I am not liable for any of it so it's okay ~ but it's still very scary.

[34saving]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I usually feel pretty good about transactions I do online, but I always use my primary credit card (that I use for everything.) I did have two unauthorized charges show up last month (first time ever). I called my credit card company and they credited my account instantly. I think that's because they see that I'm a faithful customer and they don't want to get on my bad side I don't know if the false charges came from an internet hack or what but I will tell you I pay awfully close attention to my online statements (the ones that are updated continuously) now!

[jhd815]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

Karnic - have you checked with the 3 major credit bureaus to see if a fraud alert has been placed on your credit files? Who placed the fraud alert on your Discover account? you or them?

34saving - good to hear that you are watching your accounts closely.

Now thanks to the free annual credit report, everyone (well almost everyone) can monitor their credit reports for free. Here's a link to an article I wrote for my ezine, in case you want to see how to do it:

http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com/articles/monitorcredit123.html

[PRICEPLUS]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I always check to make sure the lock symbol is on the bottom of the screen. I also check my credit report every few months and I always review my credit card bill immediately!

I have had no problems yet. I feel fairly safe!

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

Karnic - have you checked with the 3 major credit bureaus to see if a fraud alert has been placed on your credit files? Who placed the fraud alert on your Discover account? you or them?

Discover actually placed a fraud alert on my account as well as my credit report ~ do I still need to contact the credit bureaus?

[terry1156]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I've never had a problem shopping online and there are now so many ways that your data can be stolen that I don't worry about it. Yes, I could be robbed going to the store, but that doesn't stop me from going there. I take the basic precautions so that I'm not a sitting duck to have my information taken, but I don't worry about it either. I have on several occassions not done transactions on sites that didn't feel right to me - sometimes you go with your gutt feeling.

[Bluezy]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I never feel safe making any purchase ANYWHERE!

Each and every online transaction carries a risk. Therefore, I've only utilized what I've had to over the NET. In person transactions are now done with my Checkcard, because I find it far more dangerous to carry cash than a Checkcard.

Until currency becomes useless in this world it will always be dangerous no matter what transaction you conduct. How is it said in the Bible, "the love of money is the root of all evil." How true it is.

[marglo]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I feel mostly safe buying online and do it all the time. Like you I make sure it is a secure site and then don't worry about it.
Once someone did get my credit card number ...not sure it happened online but I think so as one time I took a chance with an unsecure site. I remember thinking I probably shouldn't do this but I did it anyway! The person used my number to buy Herbalife and the company called me to ask if it was really me. They kinda thought there there was something wrong, and they didn't charge me. Apparently they had my number but not all my info. I don't take risks like that anymore though!

I use paypal whenever I can and I use a credit card otherwise. I do not use a debit card online, don't feel as safe.

[Bruce Wayne]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I've bought alot of things online and never had any problems at all. I've also sold many things online, again with no problems.

[akaivyleaf]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I feel comfortable shopping on line when I have to, but I still like the instant gratification of going out shopping and bringing my purchases home right then.

[pennywise]

Re: Do you feel "safe" shopping online?

I don't like shopping on line. I like the instant gratification of going out shopping (not really - I like to see what I am getting, compare prices and items, etc). I do some business over the internet. Thanks for that lock info, never knew it before. Have had no problems yet that I am aware of. I never give information that I do not feel comfortable, and I usually can sense the trouble, so I stop and ask for a supervisor.