Many people are still afraid to buy anything online for fear that their credit cards will fall into the hands of the underworld and large balances will become their responsibility. If you are afraid of identity/credit card theft, but still want to save $$$ with online shopping, here are a couple of tips:

1) Don't use your credit card! Use an over the counter debit card instead. Most banks now offer VISA/Master Card Gift Cards. These cards typically come in denominations from $25 - $250. Some offer higher amounts, but you have to order them in advance. Once you purchase one of these cards (my bank charges a $1 per card fee), you register it online and then you can use it for online or over the phone purchases.

2) Some credit card companies issue one-time-use credit card numbers for online purchases. This way you're never giving out your main credit card number. If the one-time-use number falls into the wrong hands after your purchase, it doesn't matter as it can't be used again anyway.

3) PayPal Accounts - I'm a fan of PayPal and more and more online stores are accepting this method of payment. However, PayPal accounts can be compromised just like any other account. PayPal gives you more buying power when you link your PayPal account to one of your bank accounts and/or credit card. I've heard horror stories of people's bank accounts being wiped out because their PayPal account was hijacked and subsequently the accounts associated with it. Therefore, you shouldn't link your PayPal account to your main bank account with all the cash in it. Instead set up a separate bank account just for this purpose that doesn't have much money in it AND that DOESN'T have overdraft protection.

4) Use a gift card instead. Most retail outlets will allow you to use a gift card online when you go to check out. For example, if you buy a Best Buy gift card in person, you can use that card to make online purchases from bestbuy.com. The online Apple Store, now allows you to use Apple Store Gift cards online.

5) Check out this story on the up and coming "Bill Me Later" option.

Bottom line is that shopping online can save you tons of money! If using your own credit card makes you nervous, there are ways around it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Terry White,

Also if you use a Discover card they now offer Secure Online Account Numbers

From thr FAQs
Q: What are secure online account numbers?
A: Secure online account numbers are a free online shopping tool that offers you maximum security for online shopping by substituting a secure number for your actual Account number. With secure online account numbers, you get:
Account number protection—your actual Discover Card Account number is never online
$0 Fraud Protection—you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges to your Account.

Q: Why is it safer to shop using secure account numbers?
A: When you use secure account numbers to shop online, your actual Discover Card Account number is not revealed on the Internet or stored in an online retailer's files.

A secure account number can only be used at the retailer where it was first used—it can't be used anywhere else. If the secure account number is lost or stolen, you can deactivate it without canceling your actual Discover Card Account. To cancel a secure account number, please call
1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683).

What a good topic and great tips by Terry and Bibo.

I personally buy as much online as possible. But the question of online security always comes up with others that have never purchased anything online. I always ask them - how secure is the following transaction....handing over your credit card at a store or resturant where the transaction takes place out of your eye sight. Of course, the vast majority of the people are honest but every once in awhile something happens......

I'll take an online transaction any day.

I've only had my credit card compromised once, but I thought at the time that it had to have been done locally. Had no problem having all of the charges removed. Seems the kid who did it was using it for online porn - well endowed women - and everyone agreed that a 60ish woman would not be looking at the stuff. And for the record, no, my husband won't go near a computer. I can't get him to part with his typewriter, and it's getting harder and harder to find those dinosaurs.

I now use one card for local shopping and one for online purchases. At least if it happens again it will be easier to track the crook. I worry more about my social security number.

Phyllis,

Which type dinosaur? Hubby or Typewriter?

Take your pick, James.

Have never had a problem with anything ordered online. But can't find the browser "lock" or anything comparable in Safari 1.3.1 - Looked at Preferences, but couldn't find anything to enable display of a lock showing a secure site/page. - ???

When on a secure site in Safari the lock appears in the upper right corner of the browser window and NOT on the lower bar as with most browsers. So if you're looking down and not up that may be why you're not seeing it.

quote:

Originally posted by Mary Jo Disler:
Have never had a problem with anything ordered online. But can't find the browser "lock" or anything comparable in Safari 1.3.1 - Looked at Preferences, but couldn't find anything to enable display of a lock showing a secure site/page. - ???

Thanks Terry - Yup! Have the "look down" habit. Will follow your advice.