Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping
in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet is always open - seven
days a week, 24 hours a day. And, bargains can be numerous online. Shopping
on the Internet also can be as safe as shopping in a store or by mail.
Keep in mind the following tips to help ensure that your online shopping
experience is a safe one.
1. Use a secure browser. This is the software you use
to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with comply with
industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or SET
Secure Electronic Transaction. These standards encrypt or scramble the
purchase information you send over the Internet, ensuring the security
of your transaction. Most computers come with a secure browser already
installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet.
2. Before entering your credit card information onto any Internet
site, read the company's security or privacy policy before you buy.
A secure site will have a URL that begins with "https"
(instead of "http").
Important note: The Union Plus site sometimes uses red banners
at the top of a page (i.e. frames) when we link to partners' sites where
you can place orders. Due to the frames, the URL does not have a "https",
but the Union Plus benefits programs have only secure online order
forms. You can click here for our privacy
policy.
Most browsers will alert you to the fact that you are going to a secure
(or unsecured) page. Do not give out your credit card number in a non-secure
environment. If you are unclear about a site's online practices, email
or call them directly.
3. Shop with companies you know. Shop at well-known sites
(e.g. those recommended by your union and AFL-CIO) that encrypt your
personal information to limit the risk that someone could use your account
information fraudulently. Also, determine the company's refund and return
policies before you place your order.
4. Pay by credit or charge card. It is better to use
a credit card than a bank debit card for on-line purchases. Under the
Fair Credit Billing Act, consumers are liable for a maximum of $50 if
a credit card is used fraudulently. Most debit cards don't offer such
protection. (There is $0 liability with the Union Plus credit cards.)
Your Union Plus Credit Card protects you when
you shop online. You have zero liability if your credit card is used
illegally - you will not be responsible for authorized transactions.
We guarantee it. However, before entering your credit card information
onto any Internet site, read the company's security policy and shop
at well-known sites that encrypt your personal information to limit
your risk.
5. Use the same credit card for all purchases from an Internet
Retailer. This will make it easier to isolate that credit card and
identify any fraudulent charges. Also, try not to use a credit card
with a very large limit. With the Union Plus Credit
Card, there is no liability for a lost or stolen credit card or
credit card number, so it's a perfect choice to help protect you when
shopping online.
6. 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.
7. Be wary of "phishing" and other online ploys
designed to steal your personal financial information.
- Never provide your credit card information within an email; only
provide it on a known, secure Web site.
- Don't provide personal account or social security numbers.
8. Keep a record. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase
order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know
that the federal Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers orders
made via the Internet. This means that unless stated otherwise, merchandise
must be delivered within 30 days, and if there are delays, the company
must notify you.
9. Be wary of sites that take more than 24 hours to process
your transactions.
