In spite of the many security dangers lurking in every corner, I still use a computer to buy and sell things on the Internet. I give my name, address, telephone and credit card numbers to companies such as eBay, Paypal and Amazon. There are other company websites where I will shop, but only after researching their credibility.
Identity theft is, of course, a real danger, and shoppers should move cautiously. However, it is possible to be too paranoid. A recent survey listed by Consumer Reports Webwatch shows that, due to concerns about identity theft, 25 percent of those surveyed have stopped buying things online, and 30 percent say that they have reduced their overall use of the Internet. While these paranoid measures are no doubt effective, they’re a bit like me avoiding getting mugged by never leaving the house.
To put things in perspective, the greatest dangers regarding identity theft this year have come, not from careless practices on the part of individual Internet users, but from lax security practices by major corporations. Bank of America, MCI, Choicepoint, Wachovia, Visa and American Express are only part of a huge list of organizations that have “accidentally” exposed the private financial information of millions of customers to criminals. Even Oklahoma State University reported a missing laptop computer that contained the personal information of at least 37,000 people. However, these incidents, for the most part, had nothing to do with the Internet.
As I was recently in a local doctor’s office, I couldn’t help but notice the countertop strewn with patient paperwork. There for anyone to see were the names, addresses and Social Security numbers of numerous patients, just waiting to be exploited. I’m much more concerned about my personal information being misused by a lazy local business than I am by a creepy hacker breaking into my computer. My computer is locked down and secured. Those patient records were not.
Naturally, due diligence must be taken. Research companies with which you wish to do business. Never answer unsolicited emails. Remember that your bank, as well as eBay, Paypal, Amazon and your Internet service provide will NEVER send you an email saying, “You need to visit our website and update your personal information.”
Use secure passwords, and keep them secret. Use a secure Web browser (the program you use to visit websites) such as Mozilla’s Firefox that complies with Internet security standards. Don’t pay for online purchases using checks or money orders. Instead, use credit cards or bank debit cards. At least those purchases are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
If you pay bills, or send any personal information using U.S. Mail, deposit that mail in collection boxes, rather than in the mailbox at your house. Finally, keep printed records of all of your purchases. Play it safe, and have a happy Internet shopping holiday.