Comments on: Holiday shoppers, beware

Attorney Eric J. Sinrod warns of an imminent parade of horribles: identity theft, viruses, phishing, worms and spyware.

[Hallie Miles]

SSAN

I can't think of ANY reason I'd give my social security number to an on-line merchant; if for some reason they insisted upon having it, I'd spend my money elswhere.

[1010011010]

Fraud Percentages

This type of article always does more harm than good in my opinion. He is right in the fact that you have to be smart when shopping online, but I feel like you have to be smart whenever using a credit card.

I bet the percentage of theft is even higher when you give out personal information not online. Think about the times you given your credit card away to a waiter or gas station attendant. How about when you sign up for a credit card or bank account; how many people have access to your social security number?

[Callbird]

Online Shopping Safe When You Use Your Brain

As usual, this article paints with a mile wide brush regarding online shopping. The author doesn't differentiate between navigating to a well known merchant and falling for any spam email that lands in your inbox or clicking on any old advertisement.

When you visit a reputable merchant, you will be placing an order on a secure website. All data is encrypted, and no one has ever had their credit card number captured during transmission. It's safer than handing your credit card to a clerk or waiter who turns their back to you or walks away with your card.

Anyone who responds to spam and buys anything from them is no better than someone who walks through the mall with money hanging out of their pockets. Stupid is as stupid does.

Regarding giving your Social Security number online, it is necessary when applying for credit online, such as ordering phone service that will be billed rather than paid by credit card. On a secure order form, it is as safe or safer than ordering by phone.

The real world offers hazards with your SS# too. How many businesses use your SS# as an account number for record keeping? Heck, even my pet's veterinarian wanted to do that. Those are the people who have no legitimate reason to have it, and you should refuse to give it to them.

Ultimately, shopping online is no more dangerous than going to the mall, and shopping in bricks and mortar businesses is no safer than shopping online. It's about being a knowledgeable consumer.

[casper2004]

I do my Christmas shopping in January and I'm done by February.

If the lock in the right hand corner isn't there, don't make the purchase. I only shop at reputable on line stores. I do check with my credit card company every week to see my activity. This way I'm up to speed.