An increasing number of financial transactions take place online. Whether you purchase a book from an online retailer or set-up a standing order online at your bank, you are releasing sensitive personal details and should take steps to ensure their security at a level equivalent to the one’s taken in the offline World.

Who are you dealing with?

• Do background checks on the retailer.
• Look for a physical address (not a PO Box);
• Look for third party ‘seals’ of approval (such as Truste; Better Business Bureau Online). Ensure that the ‘seals’ link to the organizations referred to.
• Check online comparison websites such as Epinions and Bizrate to see what others think of the retailer’s services.
• Check shipping rates, tracking and insurance. Ensure that these are clearly stated.

Provide only the basic information necessary

• Reputable websites only require that you provide the basic information necessary for the delivery of the goods of discharge of the services.
• Be wary of you are asked to provide bank account numbers, mothers maiden name, etc.

Check that the website uses secure technology

• When you are required to input sensitive personal details the website should provide a reasonable level of security.
• Check that the Web address begins with “https” (e.g. https://www.cybertips.bm/).
• Also check to see that a small padlock appears in the bottom right of the browser window.
• The latest generation of browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer 7 etc.) are able to use Extended Validation Secure Socket Level Certificates (EV SSL Certificates). When accessing a website that also uses this technology the browser address line will turn green indicating that EV SSL Certificates are in use and that more information is available if you wish to see it.

Trust your instincts

• Just as you would make an assessment as to whether you wanted to do business with a shop when visiting in person, you should use your judgment when dealing with an online retailer.
• If you feel uncomfortable try somewhere else. The size of the Internet and the competition it provides means that there will likely be someone else offering the same item at the same price.

Use third party payment providers

• Handing someone your credit card details can be worrying however there are often alternatives. One of these is the use of a third party payment provider.
• Using a third party payment provider (such as PayPal or amazon.com payments) means that you merely send the money and not your credit card information.

Fraud

• Never respond to emails asking you to confirm account details. These mails are often identity theft scams. Bona fide retailers do not require this information.
• When going to a website with whom you have registered type the address of the third party payment provider (or use your bookmarks). Take care if using a search engine as you may be taken to a fraudulent website posing as the genuine one.
• If the website uses a SSL Certificate or EV SSL Certificate, check that it is genuine by clicking on the lock and ensuring that the ‘issued to’ name is the one with whom you think you are dealing.
• Be more careful when buying expensive items. Consider using escrow services so that the money is only delivered upon receipt of the item.
• Buy from websites that you know. If you are not sure search for them online to see if there is any information about them. Another good tactic is to call the service to place your order. That way you can be sure they're legit. Many online catalogues, such as LandsEnd, offer 1-800 numbers for Bermudians.
• Look closely at the Web page for clues regarding the security and legitimacy of the Web site. In many Internet browsers, a picture of an unbroken key or lock at the bottom of the browser window signals a secure site. Also, check the URL for Web security. For example, a URL address that begins with https, rather than http, signals a secure site.
• Don’t give out unnecessary information. Does a company really need your social security number to sell you a CD? Be careful of sites that ask for too much info.
• Read the fine print to inform yourself about what the business will do with your personal information or in case the shopping transaction doesn't go through correctly.
• Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card. If someone takes your credit card number and buys a yacht, your liability limited. If someone has direct access to your bank account, they can drain your account using your debit card.
• Print your receipts and terms of use when you buy. It's an easy way to help protect you if there are problems.

Report Inappropriate Content or Communications

Remember there is a reporting link on every page of this website at the bottom left. If you encounter child pornography or any activity related to, inappropriate e-mailing or the sexual exploitation of children on or offline, you can report it.