PIA Press Release
Friday, January 13, 2012

DTI releases online shopping safety tips

MAKATI, Jan. 13 (PIA) -- Recognizing that the Internet is no longer just a source of information, but is also a major platform in doing business, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shares some tips to protect online shoppers.

A news release posted on the DTI website said that the number of consumers relying on the World Wide Web for purchasing various goods and services has been increasing as online shopping provides access to these without having to stay away from one’s keyboard.

When doing online shopping, DTI advised consumers to be vigilant against deceitful persons and websites by sharing the following tips regarding the matter:

Value privacy by using passwords that cannot be easily guessed and ensure that nobody else has access to your personal accounts and data by using your own computer or laptop when shopping. Do not give too much information when filling-out online forms.

Beware of hackers. Install and update computer’s anti-virus and/or anti-malware program and make sure that this is reliable for optimum security against Internet threats. Always log out one’s account after every transaction because an account left logged in is exposed to hackers.

Check the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or website address. Most online shops accepting credit card payment use an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption which ensures a secure transaction. You would know if a website has SSL installed if the URL starts with “https” instead of just “http.”

Know the seller. When buying products online, validate the seller’s contact information. Try to search the Internet to know if they can be trusted or if they have any records of fraud and misconduct. If an online shop’s policy and payment modes do not suit you, do not transact with them. Look for other websites that may fit your need.

Read the privacy policy statement. No matter how lengthy it is, it is vital that you read and understand the privacy policy of the online shop that you will be transacting with so you would know how they handle and secure the information that you will provide them.

Do not be deceived by unbelievable offers. If the offer seems too good to be true, then probably, it is not true. To validate offers, contact the website or the merchant. Also, look for the DTI Sales Permit Number, which is issued to duly registered businesses conducting local sales promotion open to the consuming public. To verify the sales permit number, visit DTI-National Capital Region’s (NCR) website at dtincr.ph (DTI/RJB/SDL-PIA NCR)