Online payment and secure areas
Online payment and secure areas
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Have you ever wanted to buy something on the internet?
In this activity, you'll find out the basics on how to choose reliable sellers and what payment methods you can use online.
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Reliable sellers
When you pay for things online, you want to be sure your details are kept safe and secure. But how do you know who to trust?
For unfamiliar websites:
- use Google (or another search engine like Bing) to find out more about the company selling the goods and any reviews they might have
- check their Terms and conditions, including their privacy and returns policies - they should be on their website
- check if they have a physical address or telephone contact details, so you can talk to them if things go wrong.
Payment methods
There are several ways you can pay for things online. Two of the safest ways are by credit card and PayPal.
Some credit cards give their users protection for online purchases in the event the goods don't turn up or there is a dispute. Check your credit card's terms and conditions to see if this is available to you.
PayPal is an alternative payment method that means that your credit card or bank details aren't passed on to the seller. You can find out more about PayPal in our How to pay online course.
Shopping for a TV
Meet Bob.
Bob has wanted to buy this TV for ages. He's looked on the high street, but has found out that if he buys online he could save a lot of money.
The problem is, he's never bought anything online before and doesn't know how to.
Online payments
Bob has filled in his details on the screen. He is just one step away from paying for the TV of his dreams.
All he has to do now is enter his credit card details. But how does he know that his details will be safe?
The padlock icon
At the end of the address bar for the online shop there is a padlock icon.
Bob clicks on this icon.
Security information
Selecting the padlock icon opens a small window telling Bob that the information he provides is safe and the company is registered.
Many online shops also have https at the start of the address bar. This also shows that the connection to the page is encrypted, which means any information Bob types into the page can't be intercepted by third parties.
Safest way to pay
There are different ways to pay for items online. Which two of these are the safest way to pay online?
PayPal
Click to flip
Correct. Using PayPal means you don't have to share your credit card details with lots of online retailers.
Debit Card
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Incorrect. Debit cards won't offer the same protection in the event of a dispute as PayPal and some credit cards.
Credit Card
Click to flip
Correct, depending on the type of credit card you use. Check its Terms and conditions to find out more.
Congratulations!
You've completed the Online payment and secure areas activity.
You've learnt how to choose reliable sellers, pay online and which payment methods to use when buying online.
In the next activity, Child safety online, you'll find out about how children can stay safe online.