Online safety. Tips on how to be safe online

The most important thing to know about online safety is that it's up to you to protect yourself. Take it from your trusted brand that understands how important protection is to you. Here are some great online protection tips:

1. When transmitting your bank, credit card, debit card, account and pin information across the Internet, you need to keep an eye on it just as you would your wallet or purse.¹
2. Make sure the credit card you use to shop online offers fraud protection. If you're not sure, call your credit card company and ask.
3. Always check the URL of the Website before you enter your login or credit card information. A Web server name (like www.always.com) is almost always followed immediately by a slash (/) character.
4. The only way to ensure your information won't be sold to marketing companies or spammers is to read the privacy policy on the site. It's simple: If you don't like what it says, don't give them your personal information.
5. If a security alert pops up, don't just ignore it. Read it carefully and if the site is not secure, find somewhere else to do your business.
6. Do not respond to account information requests sent via email. This is not a common practice among reputable merchants and in most cases it is called phishing, an attempt to scam you for your information.
7. Email is NOT secure, so NEVER send payment information via e-mail.
8. If you're shopping with a new merchant who hasn't yet earned your trust, look up their address then contact the Better Business Bureau in their area for more information on the company.
9. You can always find out who owns the Website and where the business is located. Go to http://networksolutions.net/en_US/whois/index.jhtml and search for the site's domain name.
10. Be aware of the return policies on the site which you are shopping. This is the easiest way to make sure you don't get stuck with a size 18 shoe when you wear a size 8.
11. Mark down each online purchase you make and compare this to your credit card statement each month. If you notice a discrepancy, report it to your credit card company immediately.