Online Shopping

MJ

These past few years I have been doing more and more shopping online, either through the internet for clothing, music, books, and such, or Virtual Console/Playstation Network for movies and games. I usually pay by my one and only debit card since the only other card I have is a store card for where I work, which only works at said store. But my dad is putting more and more pressure on not shopping online at all because of the dangers, like identity theft, and because I've bought a fairly high amount of things this summer so far.

I don't really shop at any hole in the wall sorta sites so it never occurs to me I could get hacked somehow, but to please my pops, I would like to know what's a better way to make online purchases, or what works for you folks?

I tried paypal once or twice but it was not the way I was used to paying for things since I like having something tangible in my hands. I was currently considering buying a reloadable visa giftcard, but I've also heard talk of certain online credit cards you could get that change their account numbers after every purchase? Is this for real?

Well... anyways I'd just like some insight on the world of online shopping and ways to do it better, safer, and all that..

Sakebomb

I learned the hard way to be careful shopping the interwebs.
Before you buy from a lesser known online vendor, search for reviews.
Checkout ripoffreport.com and the BBB.

Also, I read The Consumerist. All kinds of good stuff there.

RUNN1NGMAN

Honestly, if you are buying online at reputable sites, and only ones that use SSL encryption (that little lock that pops up in the corner of your browser) the risk of your credit card information getting stolen is pretty much nil. And even if it does get stolen, you should be protected by your bank or the credit card companies.

I've had one experience of my number getting stolen, about five years ago, and my bank actually called me to verify the charges and then reversed them with no problem.

It's really not an issue unless you're going to questionable (i.e. porn) sites and using your card.

Don't know how adamant your dad is about it...maybe you just need to educate him about SSL and the fraud protection your credit card company gives you.

EggyToast

The only problem I, and others, have had, is if the company is based in Brooklyn. Especially if they sell camera equipment ;D

MJ

Sakebomb wrote: »

I learned the hard way to be careful shopping the interwebs.
Before you buy from a lesser known online vendor, search for reviews.
Checkout ripoffreport.com and the BBB.

Also, I read The Consumerist. All kinds of good stuff there.

Thank you very much for the link. I found an article about what I was asking about about the virtual account # changing credit cards.
It also had a few resources that helped me out, the main one: Verified by Visa is something I'm going to look into but it seems limited to certain sites.

Like I said before, I really think I'm shopping online safely, with the sites I shop at and such, but my dad is a safety and security concious person who just wants to make sure I'm not making myself a target for thieves. I suppose this is a step forwards for him.

EggyToast

If it helps, remind your dad that many of the major credit card losses of the past few years have been large brick & mortar stores with bad or outdated IT systems.

Arguably, a company that exists exclusively online will be more tech savvy.