Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

KVM Switches Online is committed to reducing the occurrence of credit card and identity fraud.  We want our customers to also be aware of fraud and protect themselves against it.  We have helped many victimized customers recover from credit card fraud while purchases are still in transit. 

The Internet has become an very useful tool to consumers everywhere.  With a click of a mouse one can shop from the convenience of their own home.  Shopping on the Internet, consumers allow their information to be collected by companies. The internet can be a very resourceful tool, but consumers should  protect their privacy and personal information by following these useful tips.

• When shopping, shop with companies you are familiar with.   If you do not know a company or the online store, research it, ask for a catalog, or even a brochure to get a clear idea of the services and products the company is providing.  Be sure to also read the refund and return policies before you place an order.  These policies should be posted on any company's website when merchandise is being sold.  Don't be afraid to call and ask the company questions.  Ask them how they secure your financial and personal information.

• Make sure your browser is secure.  Be sure to check your browser, the tool used to navigate through the Internet, to make sure it is a secure one.  Check to see if your browser complies with industry security standards.  If your browser meets the standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), your information when purchasing merchandise is scrambled over the Internet to help secure your personal information such as credit card numbers, SSN, addresses, and more. 

• Make your transactions by credit or charge cards.  When you make purchases online, pay by credit or charge card. Why? When you pay by this method your payment is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, and by this law you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstance.  Your payment will be withheld while the creditor is investigating the purchases/charge. 

• Get creative with your passwords and accounts.  Some companies ask that you create an account with them before you purchase merchandise.  When creating an account, be sure to avoid choosing passwords that reflect your birth date, telephone number, SSN, address, etc.  Use your creativity when choosing a password, use numbers and symbols, and NEVER give your password out.

• Keep your records.  After you make a purchase online, be sure to print out the transaction (the receipt), and the confirmation number.  Keep all these records in a safe organized place such as a locked up file cabinet.  Documentation is always important.

• Keep you information private.  Again ask companies how they secure your financial information and personal information.  Don't give out your personal information (address, telephone number, SSN, email address, etc.) unless your understand who is gathering the information, how they will use the information, and why they need the information. 

• Privacy Policy.  Always look for an online privacy policy.  Privacy policies should disclose what information is being collected and how that information will be used.  If you cannot find the privacy policy, then call the company up and ask them to send it in an email or request it to be posted on the site. 

• Always check your financial institutions records.  It is a good habit to check your financial institutions daily for updates and changes on your accounts.  If you notice any suspicious transactions; research, document, and call your financial institutions right away to get your accounts under control.  They can help you protect yourself from identity fraud.