Safe card transactions

Shopping online is as secure and as easy as using your credit card to buy tickets over the telephone. Here are some simple safety hints

Did you know that UK internet shoppers will make 12 million online purchases by the end of the year?

When you've picked an online shopping site, checked prices and chosen the best deal, it's time to go to the checkout to pay for your purchase This means entering credit card details and it's not surprising that some people can have reservations about sending these into cyberspace. The reality is that using a card on the web is actually safer tnan using it over on the phone, or even to pay for a meal at a restaurant.The transaction is encrypted, or scrambled in a way that makes it virtually impossible to intercept it For added peace of mind, beeb.com promises that transactions through its website with all of its e-commerce partners are kept secure.

Nearly all shopping sites use a "secure server" system called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Retailers using SSL are identified by a closed padlock or unbroken key symbol at the bottom of the window. Usually these symbols only appear on the "checkout" page, when you're prompted for card details. If the server is secure, you only need to take the same common-sense precadtions as when using a credit card in person or over tne phone. Deal with retailers that are well known. Make sure they have a returns policy and a customer helpline - and if in any doubt about the company, give it a ring, or check out its "customer services" or "help" sections online. Better still, use beeb.com. Not only are all the e-retailers vetted, but, in the highly unlikley event of your credit/debit card being used fraudulently as a result of buying something from a beeb.com recommended e-tailer, beeb.com will reimburse this amount directly to you. Visit beeb.com, you can click your way to shopping tnat's exciting, enjoyable and safe. It offers you peace of mind.

THE BEEB.COM PROMISE TO YOU
Working with a wide range of retailers and experts in many fields, beeb.com ensures you have access to the best advice and some of the best deals on the web. To make sure beeb.com is your starting point for shopping on the web, it's established a set of principles:

  • It's clear and easy to understand, explaining every step in plain English.

  • Shopping with beeb.com is safe, with credit card details travelling through a secure server.

  • It will protect your personal information, never passing it on to a third party without express permission.

  • Because beeb com works with a number of retailers, it offers a wider choice of products and prices, enabling you to decide what to buy.

  • It gives independent advice, always from BBC experts.

  • It's always available as you can email beeb.com with an enquiry or complaint and you'll get a personal response the next working day.

Shopping online is as easy as shopping in your local high street except that you can shop 24 hours a day from the comfort of your own home. We've put together a guide to the familiar elements you're likely to see and use when shopping with beeb.com and throughout the internet. Many of the elements are similar to the ones you would find in your local high street and our guide will show you what to look for and give you the confidence to shop online. SHOPPING ONLINE Many of the shops that you find on the internet are familiar stores you also see in your local high street or town centre. As the internet is becoming more accesible you'll also find shops that only appear online. If you come across a shop that is unfamiliar to you,take some time to read their policies and how they value their customers. These details can usually be found within their 'customer services' or 'help' section. SHOPPING BASKETS The first thing we all do when we walk into a store is to pick up a basket or trolley. Shopping online uses this metaphor usually as a drawing or icon. Whenever you see a product that you want to buy simply click to add your product to your individual shopping list. If you decide to change your mind,you can access your shoping list and remove it from your basket. Remember,until you go to the checkout or type in your credit card number you are not spending any money,so it's safe to try it out and see what happens. COMPARING PRICES Some online shops,including beeb.com,offer you the chance to compare the prices on a variety of products against different retailers. This can be especially useful if you're looking for the best deal or fastest delivery.