Safe Surfing on the Internet

The Internet is an exciting tool that puts a vast amount of information at your fingertips. With a click of a mouse, you can buy airline tickets, shop for holiday gifts, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favorite CD or videotape, without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

Shopping online offers many benefits that you will not find shopping in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet always is open - seven days a week, 24 hours a day. And, the bargains online can be plentiful. Shopping on the Internet also can be as safe as shopping in a store or through the mail.

Good deals, convenience and choices abound on the Internet. However, before you use all that the Internet has to offer, be "cybersmart" and make your online experiences safe. Keep in mind the following tips, courtesy of "Shop Safely Online" from the Federal Trade Commission's Web site at www.ftc.gov.

SECURITY ON THE INTERNET

* Use a secure browser - This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards. These standards encrypt or scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, ensuring the security of your transaction. Most computers come with a browser already installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.
* Shop with companies you know - Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you are not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of its merchandise and services. Also, determine the company's refund and return policies before you place your order.
* Keep your password(s) private - Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date or a portion of your social security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.
* Keep a record of your transaction - Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records.
* Pay your bills online - Some companies let you pay bills and check your account status online. Before you sign up for any service, evaluate how the company is securing your financial and personal information. Many companies explain their security procedures on their Web site. If you don't see a security description, call or e-mail the company and ask.

PRIVACY ON THE INTERNET

Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect information about you and potentially give that information to others. While the Internet can serve as a tremendous resource for information, products and services, you should be sure to safeguard your privacy online by following these tips.
* Keep your personal information private - Do not disclose personal information like your address, telephone number, social security number or e-mail address unless you know who is collecting the information, why they are collecting it and how they will use it. If you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal or family information.
* Look for a company's online privacy policy - Many companies with privacy practices post their privacy policy on their Web site. A company's privacy policy should disclose what information is being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used. Before you provide a company with personal information, check its privacy policy. If you cannot find a policy, send an e-mail or written message to the Web site to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the site.
* Make choices - Many companies give you a choice on their Web site as to whether and how your personal information is used. These companies allow you to decline having personal information, like your e-mail address, used or shared with other companies. Look for this as part of the company's privacy policy.

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