How to shop online safely
There's no doubt that online shopping is a convenient way to get your shopping done. However, when you consider that there have been almost 1,300 data breaches in the first three quarters of 2021, it's no wonder we need to be careful.
Consider these tips to safeguard your private information:
Use familiar websites from well-known entities you already know and trust. Crooks can easily set up fake websites these days and they are designed to look authentic and to trick the unsuspecting.
Check the website address for the https before the website name which designates it as a secured connection to the website. If the website you are accessing only shows http, then it is not secure. Putting your personal information on this site could subject it to a breach.
Google does assist us by showing us: A lock icon meaning a site is likely secure, a circle with the letter 'i' inside which denotes the site as not secure or a red triangle which designates it as dangerous.
Never use a free public Wi-Fi network to enter personal information if you are away from home and shopping online. Always use a private Wi-Fi network since you could be putting your credit card number and personal information at risk of being exposed without the added security.
Always use a credit card or another secure payment method and never use a debit card. Credit cards offer more fraud protection than a debit card, which offers none.
And avoid storing your payment information online. It is convenient but it could expose your information to potential threats. You will need to manually enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, but it could reduce your chances of being compromised.
Use a virtual credit card number. The advantage of this card is that it generates random digits for one-time payments. This is a good option since it eliminates your having to change your credit card number should it be compromised. Major credit card companies like Citi and Capital One offer these virtual cards.
If you do find that you are a victim of a scam while shopping online, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or contact the state attorney general.
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Are airlines required to offer compensation for canceled flights?
In recent months, several airlines including Southwest and American Airlines have gone through widespread cancellations that has affected thousands of travelers. Airlines have blamed both adverse weather and crew shortages for their shortcomings. So with the travel season upon us, it is important to keep in mind that there are different rules now when flying that govern the airline’s obligations regarding delayed or canceled flights.
When Rule 240 was in place, airlines were required to compensate passengers in the event of delay, cancellation or an oversold situation. Now airlines are only required, by law to compensate passengers if the flight is oversold. Most people who travel now can tell you that since COVID has affected travel it has become harder to get to your destination timely and without incurring additional costs.
To help protect yourself against possible flight cancellations or delays, here are a few things you can do:
Book flights that depart early in the day that way if a problem occurs you at least have a chance of getting on a later flight that day with the same airline. Problems tend to cascade and if you are on a later afternoon flight, there are may not be another flight out on the same day. You could incur overnight expenses while waiting to fly out the next morning.
Many credit card companies offer travel benefits including protections which cover flight delays, cancellations and lost or delayed luggage. When booking your flight make sure you are using a credit card that offers flight interruption or travel insurance coverage. If you aren’t sure if you have that coverage, call your credit card company to inquire about your benefits.
Install the airline's app on your cellphone. That way you can keep track of any delays or changes and manage them if they occur, all through the app. This includes when you are at the airport. Rather than standing in the long customer service line after a cancellation or delay, you can see alternative flight possibilities through the app.
Finally, consider flying on an airline that has backup crews or planes in their operation. It was customary for airlines to operate in this manner, but since COVID this practice is no longer universal among carriers. Delta seems to be one that still operates with spare aircraft, flight attendants and pilots. Southwest is also working toward reinstituting its backup practice.
Travel is expected to be challenging for the foreseeable future so if you follow these tips then perhaps you can avoid delays and additional expenses on your next trip.
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Remember: I’m on your side.
If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at (208) 274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.