15 Tips to Shopping Online, Securely this Holiday

1. Make sure you have installed and updated antivirus, anti-malware and personal firewall software on your computer. Your operating system and Internet browser should be updated with the latest security
   patches.
   
2. Only shop on secure sites. To see if a Web site is secure, look for “https” in the address bar. Also, there’s usually a small yellow padlock logo at the right of your Web browser address bar. If you double-click on the lock, a digital certificate of the Web site will appear. It’s a good idea to review these certificates on the sites that you are not familiar with.
   
3. Make sure that you enter the correct URL. There are cases where hackers have purchased misspelled domains.
   
4. Shopping Web sites have no reason to ask for your Social Security number, or passwords to your e-mail or bank accounts as part of the buying process. Never provide them.
   
5. If you suspect a Web site is not what it claims, leave it immediately. Do not click any buttons on the site, run any content or download any software.
   
6. Use different “strong” passwords (those that are more secure) for online retailers and your personal e-mail accounts. A strong password is composed of numbers, upper- and lower-case letters and symbols. For example, a password like “3dogz$$!” is a better option than “1006.” The longer and more unique the password the better, but make sure it’s also something you can remember.
   
7. Before purchasing anything on a Web site, read site reviews or blog comments by other people. Use sites such as Pricegrabber.com or Froogle.com (Google shopping) for comparing prices and to read users’ reviews of the retail Web site.
   
8. Retailers may try to lure you into saving your personal information on their Web site in return for more convenience or better deals. Don’t do it. So
   many Web sites have had their customer databases breached by identity thieves lately that it’s just not worth the risk.
   
9. Read each Web site’s return and privacy policy before making your purchase.
   
10. Be aware of phishing e-mail scams that include Web site links advertising incredible deals. Rather than clicking on them, type the link of known sites by
    hand into your browser.
    
11. Use credit cards for online purchases, not debit cards. That’s because debit cards automatically deduct money from your bank account. Try to use cards with low credit limits to minimize the damage in case someone steals your information to take over the account. Or, use a “one-time” credit card number from payment processors such as PayPal.
    
12. Do not send your payment information via regular e-mail; these communications are not secure.
    
13. As a general rule, uncheck boxes advertising “additional offers.” These services are sometimes offered for a low initial fee that later increases to a
    high, recurring charge on your credit card.
    
14. Save records of all your purchases either in an electronic document or on paper.
    
15. Don’t forget to power off your computer completely
    when you are finished using it.

Buying a Car is a Hassle For Women

Buying a car is a hassle for women, according to a recent poll conducted for CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars.
When asked about their last car buying experience, a fourth of the women who responded felt a quick and effortless transaction was most missing, according to a new survey of more than 500 women. Fair, low pricing and having a trustworthy salesperson were also cited as the other top factors missing when buying a vehicle.

“Now more than ever, women want a car buying experience that is straightforward and fair,” says Donna Wassel, Southwest regional vice president of CarMax. “Finding a car retailer with low, no haggle pricing that offers an easy transaction with integrity can help take away the hassle.”

The following are the results of the recent poll that asked women: Thinking about the last time that you bought a car, which of the following was most missing?

Results of the Survey
A quick, effortless transaction - 25%
A fair trade-in value - 19%
A trustworthy salesperson - 15%
Low, fair pricing - 13%
A reasonable finance rate - 13%
Respect - 2%
I have never bought a car - 13%


CarMax offers the following tips for women car shoppers:

1. Go online to research vehicle types, makes, models, options, features, and prices. Visit websites such as carmax.com to search thousands of cars, see actual prices, view multiple photos, obtain vehicle history reports, read customer reviews and more.
   
2. Print out fact sheets or information about the vehicles you are interested in, and have them ready when you step onto the lot.
   
3. If you plan on selling your car, bring key paperwork items with you, including title and registration for your current vehicle, your driver’s license, and insurance card.
   
4. If you have been pre-approved for a car loan, bring the approval letter with you.
   
5. Find a car retailer and salesperson you like and trust by asking friends and family for referrals.
   
6. Try a retailer that offers no-haggle prices and a la carte pricing on each part of the car buying transaction – the vehicle price, the extended service plan, the trade-in, and the financing.
   
7. Think about selling your car separately from your car purchase. You can bring your car to CarMax for an appraisal – it’s fast, free and convenient.
   
8. Have confidence in your car shopping abilities. You have done your research and are prepared to make a smart car buying decision.
   
9. Do not hesitate to ask lots of questions—as many as you need so that you understand exactly what you are paying for.
   
10. Be prepared to walk away if you are unhappy with your car buying experience.

The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax. The national sample consisted of more than 500 U.S. women, aged 18 and older who were interviewed online August 17 through August 19, 2009.