Internet Shopping Security

According to the BBB, the ease of shopping in cyberspace has increased the popularity of buying merchandise from Internet websites. However, reports of Identity Theft and phishing & pharming scams are also on the rise, causing concern for many online shoppers.Here are some tips to keep you safe when shopping online. To help consumers navigate potential pitfalls on the web, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

• Research before you buy. Responsible online retailers will clearly post their physical address and other contact information such as the telephone number on their website. Be suspicious if you do not see the physical address there and if you are able to communicate with this company only by email.
  
• Check out the security protection provided. Be in a secure environment at point of purchase. Almost all websites that require billing information provide a "secure browser", encrypted lines that help protect sensitive data such as your name and credit card numbers. To make sure a site provides encryption, check the address bar of your internet browser once you put anything into the shopping cart. Look for the prefix https:// in the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) box, which lists the e-tailer's web address. If it says "https" instead of "http", the site encrypts information. Another way to check if a site is secure and encrypts information it is if it has the "lock" icon shown on the bottom of the page. Look for a small padlock icon at the bottom of your screen. If the "lock" is closed, you're working in a secure browser. If the site is not secure, be cautious ~ it is not smart to give out your personal information.
  
• www.portara.com is a secure web site and all the informations you provide would be encrypted and safe.
  
• Exercise the right to protect your privacy. You can read Our Privacy Policy on information collected about you and how it will be used.