Buying Using The Internet (Full Version)

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Vachristian -> Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 7:39:34 PM)

I have never bought anything using the internet and am considering
doing this and would like to know how others feel about doing this
and what have your results been and how safe is it.I just do not want
someone getting my bank card numbers and using my card as some
of those hackers concern me.Thanks for any help! Mike



Miss Giggles -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 7:52:38 PM)

It's pretty safe as long as you shop from a legitimate site like amazon.com.

If you are concerned you get get a pre paid visa and use that for your purchases but you MUST hold onto it if you request a refund. Refunds are always done to the same card the item was purchased on.

But I check my accounts constantly, if you notify the bank right away they can stop unauthorized charges. Remember they can clear you out in a matter of hours.



ta_mosquito -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 7:56:10 PM)

Been doing it for years and haven't had a problem.

Buy from reputable places, as Giggles mentioned.



trainfan -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 8:13:15 PM)

I'll put my business owners hat on for this post.

If what you are looking for is available locally from a locally owned business buy it locally and support your local econony. BTW local branches of large chains don't help the local economy does as much as the locally owned stores do.

I am aware that many items are cheaper on the web so ask your local retailer if they will match the internet price but be prepared to prove what is being charged on the internet and don't forget to factor in shipping costs. If they won't match the price it's their own fault, then buy it on the web. I'll match prices for customers 95% of the time. The other 5% I would be selling things at a loss which I won't do.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 8:26:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Vachristian

I have never bought anything using the internet and am considering
doing this and would like to know how others feel about doing this
and what have your results been and how safe is it.I just do not want
someone getting my bank card numbers and using my card as some
of those hackers concern me.Thanks for any help! Mike


Your concern is well-founded. I have been a victim of identity theft twice. One was they used my card as you describe and charged over a thousand dollars.

The second is much worse. They stole my identity, sent my credit rating from excellent to fair. They put me as a co-signer on two houses that I have never even heard of, plus other charges.

I never thought it would happen to me. And, I don't even use my credit card that much[:o]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 8:27:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Miss Giggles

It's pretty safe as long as you shop from a legitimate site like amazon.com.



Nope...see my post...



iluvatar -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 9:35:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: CherishedbyGod

quote:

ORIGINAL: Vachristian

I have never bought anything using the internet and am considering
doing this and would like to know how others feel about doing this
and what have your results been and how safe is it.I just do not want
someone getting my bank card numbers and using my card as some
of those hackers concern me.Thanks for any help! Mike


Your concern is well-founded. I have been a victim of identity theft twice. One was they used my card as you describe and charged over a thousand dollars.

The second is much worse. They stole my identity, sent my credit rating from excellent to fair. They put me as a co-signer on two houses that I have never even heard of, plus other charges.

I never thought it would happen to me. And, I don't even use my credit card that much[:o]


How did they steal your identity? Was it through an internet transaction or through some other means?

Internet transactions are at least as safe as anything else. When you hand your credit card to a waiter, what does he do with the card/number when he's out of sight? How do you know that the ATM in the gas station doesn't have a storage device inside logging all the card and PIN #'s entered? When you buy something at a regular store, what's to ensure that they don't transmit your info over an unsecure wireless connection as TJX did, losing over 45 MILLION credit card #'s in the process?

I'd actually trust an internet sale through a reputable site more than most other forms of sale. The fewer actual people involved, the better.

-Dan.



henny -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 11:06:57 PM)

I have bought on the internet hundreds of times for years.

I also bank entirely on the internet and pay all of my bills through the internet.

I've never had a problem.



musicboss11 -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/5/2008 11:55:54 PM)

I ditto what others said about never having a problem with sticking to reputable sites. I make sure I know who I'm buying from, and what their security info. is for their site.



crownlaurel -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 12:02:04 AM)

I buy things over the internet often. I generally pay with paypal and I have never had a problem. I've bought madagascar vanilla beans, vitamins, supplements, books, DVD's, shoes, lots of stuff. Since I pay by paypal, the companies and people don't see my debit or bank information.

Another way to secure your information is to ask for disposable credit card numbers. I know that's not what it's called, but you can get a number from your credit card company or debit card company to use one time. That way if anyone steals it, they can't use it.

In my personal experience, personal information is more vulnerable in person than using a secure method online. When you hand someone a check, they have your name and address and account number at their fingertips. When you give your credit card to the cashier, they get a copy of your credit card number that they can steal after you leave.



redeemedsaint -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 8:39:16 AM)

I have made purchases on the internet and I've had no problem with it at all. In some cases, it is cheaper to do than if you bought the item at your regular Wal-Mart.



ta_mosquito -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 10:15:35 AM)

quote:

Another way to secure your information is to ask for disposable credit card numbers. I know that's not what it's called, but you can get a number from your credit card company or debit card company to use one time. That way if anyone steals it, they can't use it.


I know Discover has this option; I expect other credit card companies do, too.



kernsfamily -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:14:13 AM)

absolutely no problems buying things off the internet....as long as they are "well known" retailers/brands...and i know who I am buying from....

as iluvatar mentioned earlier.....and made an awesome point....your "credit card info" is SO MUCH MORE "in danger" when giving your credit card to a waiter in a restaurant, than it is during an internet transaction.....some people don't take that into consideration....regardless of what you've seen in the movies, it is nearly impossible, and VERY improbable, that due to a "secure" online transaction, that your credit card information will be "hacked"...it's not nearly that simple....or, likely....

quote:

If what you are looking for is available locally from a locally owned business buy it locally and support your local economy. BTW local branches of large chains don't help the local economy does as much as the locally owned stores do.


That just depends on where you live.

Here, in Dallas, shopping, AND dining at "Chains" like JC Penney, Neiman-Marcus, Pier One Imports, The Container Store, TGI Fridays, Chilis, Bennigans, Blockbuster, RadioShack, Fossil Watch Store, Pizza Inn, Pizza Hut, Mary Kay, BeautiControl do help our "local economy".......they ARE "locally owned" stores and businesses, that EVERYONE knows......as these, and MANY others are Headquartered here....and, thus, going to these stores not only supports the employees who work in the stores, but, the thousands of locally employed people, many of them being my neighbors, that work at the "home office" of these locally based stores and restaurants....

TGI Fridays has been here in DFW for quite some time, but in 2003, built a new HQ building that is literally RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER from the house......a few people on my street work there.....I find it amusing that Friday's HQ, is a "stones throw" from where Bennigans is HQ'd...can't be more than a half-mile away from each other....



karlie -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:22:39 AM)

I shop online and have for years and have never had a single problem. But, I only buy from well-known reputable sites.

quote:

I'd actually trust an internet sale through a reputable site more than most other forms of sale. The fewer actual people involved, the better.

I agree. I'm much more concerned with what a waiter/waitress actually does with my debit/credit card in the 5 minutes it's out of my hand than entering the information over a secured reputable website.



Miss Giggles -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:24:29 AM)

I live in strip mall heaven and so I do try to buy local, but a lot of specialized items are only available online.



APZR -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:40:04 AM)

I buy most of our office supplies over the net. Big box stores run specials all of the time that you can't get in their store. I've also bought autos through cars direct... but only new. The last time I bought a used something with an engine, it lasted a couple months before needing a major overhaul. So I make sure what ever I buy is NEW... not used or remanufactured. If it's a big ticket item, I won't buy unless I can go see it. Most reputable web sites have a feature where you can search by zip code and within 50-100 miles of your location. But using the net to shop gives you a good idea of what is a good price, and what is not. When looking at the prices on line, make sure you consider shipping! Sometimes the shipping cost makes the deal not so good, and it would be better to go to a local store.



Cloak -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:42:13 AM)

Buying via the internet is a real blessing. Never had a problem whatsoever!



kernsfamily -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 11:48:46 AM)

quote:

The last time I bought a used something with an engine, it lasted a couple months before needing a major overhaul. So I make sure what ever I buy is NEW.


our very reputable (and locally owned) mechanic shop will "review" an auto that we are considering buying.....and take a half-day to look it over from "top to bottom".....we usually pay him around $100ish or so....
then, my wife will ask Jim (the guy who owns the shop), "IF your daughter were buying this car to put YOUR grandkids in it, would YOU let her buy it"??.....and, he'll tell her, YES, or NO....
Most dealerships will do the same thing, too (taking a used CTS to the Cadillac dealer, for instance....or, used Silverado to a Chevy dealer)...though, of course, you'll pay alot more....but, the "peace of mind" and "assurance" is there....and, you're still saving a BUNDLE
buying a 3-4 year old car for cash, saves an incredible amount of money.

You can find great cars on E-Bay....as there are many "warehouse-based" used-car dealers in our area, which rely on E-bay and the Internet for "traffic" (it's much less expensive to run a "warehouse" used car outlet, than one that is "retail" based in a high-traffic (thus high-cost) area.....you just find the listing on E-bay....then, go on over and take a look, then, if you like what you see...then, take it to our guy and see if the car "checks out"....

people fly in from all over the country to this one guy i know....who usually has some very unique vehicles....



ta_mosquito -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 12:29:16 PM)

One word of advice when buying online: NEVER send your credit card number ANYWHERE through email! Emails are among the least secure forms of communication. They can be collected by hackers easier than anything else, and the info is right there.

Secure online transactions are MUCH safer than email!



stellaluna -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 12:36:23 PM)

I've done it for years. I buy stuff, pay bills, etc. Never had a problem. (I also make sure things are encrypted and keep track of my accounts.)



Roberta_ -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 1:01:21 PM)

I've never had a problem with making purchases on the internet.



doinkdom -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 1:09:32 PM)

If I can't pay it or buy it online...I'm probably not going to do it. Grocery stores being the only exception.

And yes, there will be those who get nailed in identity theft, etc. You prepare for that with staying on top of your finances and being particular when using your card online. Someone will always be a victim to this, it is not new. Identity theft has been around awhile.

But think about this...you have no problem letting some waiter you've never met walk off with your physical credit/debit card when dining in a restaurant. They walk off with it to a place away from the general eye and then bring it all back to you. They not only have the number, but your full name and the secret agent code on the back of it. Same goes with many retailers, especially high-end ones that keep all transactions away from the public eye.

There's just as much danger there as anywhere. So to blame it all on the Internet is not completely supported by every instance of fraud.



Roberta_ -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 1:17:16 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: doinkdom

Someone will always be a victim to this, it is not new. Identity theft has been around awhile.....
.....So to blame it all on the Internet is not completely supported by every instance of fraud.


See Genesis 27. [;)]
No internet back then! [:D]



karlie -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 1:29:37 PM)

quote:

There's just as much danger there as anywhere. So to blame it all on the Internet is not completely supported by every instance of fraud.

I saw a special on one of those news shows awhile back about identity theft and credit card fraud, and according to their experts, they say less than 2% of all identity fraud comes from internet shopping, and even less if they count only secure sites. They said the most usual ways people become victims are from tossing personal information in the trash without shredding, and store and bank employees stealing the information.

I certainly haven't researched that myself, but if that's true, that means we're much more at risk shopping in stores than online. That's scary!



LCannon -> RE: Buying Using The Internet (6/6/2008 1:41:33 PM)

If I'm comfortable using a credit card at a vendor(store)or ordering by phone even a check I should be as comfortable purchasing online. My trust isn't in the technology but in the vendor relationship. That said, I frequently check by credit card online(of course). If I'm not sure I don't.



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