Online Safety: Ways to protect yourself when shopping on the internet

At RamCity.co.nz the safety and security of your personal information is our top priority. We also know that shoppers need to be informed, which is why we have compiled a list of hints and tips to consider when purchasing online:

Know your Internet Retailer

Try to be familiar with the name or reputation of the company you are dealing with. See if they have been mentioned on popular internet forums such as whirlpool.net.au and not just customer service ratings sites alone. Make sure the company has a clear return policy as well as security and privacy statements published on their website.

Protect Your Privacy

By knowing what information an online retailer is collecting about you, how it will be used and if they share it or sell it to others plays a major factor in the threat of online fraud and general security. A privacy policy generally explains how your private information will be handled and stored. Be cautious if you are asked about personal information which is not required when completing a purchase such as a social security number, medicare card number, or personal bank account information.

Go Over all the Details

Check for estimated delivery times, any shipping or handling costs, additional PayPal or Credit Card fees, product warranties and other important information. Look for an email address to write to (or a phone number to call) if you have a question, a problem, or if you need help. Most reputable online retailers will offer some sort of email correspondence or customer care when purchasing via the internet.

Use a Credit Card and Choose a Strong Password

By buying through a Registered Company using a credit card, you can avoid most problems as strong credit card policies are practiced and good systems of dispute resolution are widely used. There are several different methods of checking that your information is being transmitted in a secure fashion, depending on the internet browser you use, and how old the version is:

• The address in the URL bar should begin with https:// - The 's' stands for secure, meaning that the information you are entering will be encrypted before transmission.
• Your internet browser may display a padlock symbol or a key symbol . These images may be displayed at the bottom right hand corner or top of the screen near the address bar. These symbols are also indicators that your information is being handled in a secure fashion, and if you click on them, more information about the website is displayed.
• Many online retailers now use EV (Extended Validation) SSL Certificates, which result in a green 'trust' strip being displayed in the browser address bar, usually with the company name behind the website included, like this: This not only indicates secure handling of your information, but also that the company has had to pass a rigorous identity check to confirm the validity and ownership of the business and those persons behind it.

Most sites require you to register an account with their site to enable order tracking, order history, and other useful features. Choose a password that uses a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and avoid choosing obvious words or dates such as a nickname or your birth date, as these are easier to crack. If you believe someone has guessed or acquired your password you should change it immediately to avoid any possible risks.

Keep Records of your Purchase

Most Online Retailers provide electronic versions of order confirmations, tracking details, and invoices. File this information securely so you can refer to it in the future if need be. (RamCity.co.nz allows for an automatic email confirmation to be sent whenever something is ordered from our online store.)

Do you Have More Questions about how we Protect Your Safety?

You may also be interested in our Peace of Mind page. Feel free to also contact our Customer Service Team by email or complete our contact form. You can also call us on (09) 889 2933 11am-7pm (Mon-Fri) NZT if you have any questions about how safe it is to purchase from RamCity.co.nz.