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Department of Consumer Affairs Urges Holiday E-Shoppers to 'Click With Caution' to Protect
Themselves Online

The annual fourth-quarter boom in e-commerce shows that consumers consider the holiday season a great time of year to shop online. But the boom in sales could be a holiday bust for e-consumers if they fall prey to unfair dealers or scam artists.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs offers e-consumers tips on safely navigating the World Wide Web.

"Consumers may choose to shop online for convenience, but they should still be careful about protecting their privacy and security," said Charlene Zettel, Department of Consumer Affairs director. "The department is advising them to click with caution and avoid being 'dot-conned'."

The department's "Click with Caution" consumer tips focus on security and privacy issues and can be found on the department's Web site at www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/e_consumer. The tips include:

• Pick a Card - Just One Card
  Using just one credit card when buying online lets you track your purchases. Use a card with a low credit limit to lower your risk. Don't use an ATM or debit card.
• Know the E-business
  Use only reputable e-businesses with a street address and phone number, so you can contact them directly with your questions.
• Read the Privacy Policy - Big Browser is Watching
  Don't assume you're anonymous. Web sites can track your browsing activities. Read the e-business's privacy policy before you type in any personal information. Look for opportunities to "opt-out" of letting the company send you marketing communications or share your personal information with others.
• Lock In Security
  When buying online, look for an unbroken lock symbol in the status bar at the bottom of your Web browser and "https" at the beginning of the Web site address. This means your personal information is encrypted or scrambled so no one can read it during transmission.

Internet use and e-commerce continue to expand, with online sales expected to reach $16.7 billion this holiday season, according to eMarketer. That's up 29 percent compared to online sales for the same period last year.

Joanne McNabb, chief of the department's Office of Privacy Protection, urged online holiday shoppers to be careful: "The Web is a great resource, and by clicking withcaution, consumers can protect their privacy and reduce their risk of becoming fraud victims. In addition to following these tips, consumers can also look into the latest security technology, such as single-use credit cards."

Consumers with online or other privacy concerns will find useful information on the Office of Privacy Protection's Web site at www.privacy.ca.gov or call 866-785-9663. The Office provides Californians with information and assistance on privacy issues.
"Click with Caution When Shopping Online" is just one wish on the department's

"Consumers' Holiday Wish List." For more holiday tips, check the Department of Consumer Affairs' Web site at www.dca.ca.gov.

The California Department of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects consumer interests. Call 800-952-5210 or visit the department's Web site for information on a variety of consumer issues.

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