Online transactions and e-commerce are one of the largest revenue-producing business practices today. Shopping over the Internet works just like a traditional transaction at a retail store, or other vendor, by exchanging goods and services immediately and with no barriers of time or distance.

E-commerce (electronic commerce) is handled by a web of computers called servers, which digitize monetary transactions and transmit that data over the web to banks, and other merchants.

As with most practices on the world-wide web, security is the main concern of most online consumers and is the number one reason why leery shoppers refuse to make purchases over the Internet. Below, we offer some key tips about online shopping and how to keep your transactions safe.

Secure Transactions
The biggest concern for online consumers is security. As a result, online merchants have made secure transactions their number one priority when conducting business transactions.

Many web sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the credit card information that consumers send over the Internet. To be sure the site you are using for an online transaction is secure, look for the web address to begin with "https", instead of "http". The "s" denotes the security technology in place that allows for the encryption of your credit card information.

You may also be able to determine whether a website is using secure (SSL) technology by looking for a few items:

• Your browser will display the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen.
• Your browser will display the icon of a lock on the status bar (Seen in Microsoft Internet Explorer®).
• Your browser will display the icon of an unbroken key at the bottom of the screen (Seen in earlier versions of Netscape Navigator™)

If you have an unauthorized charge on your credit card, your liability under federal law is limited to only $50. The Fair Credit Billing Act states that you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. The same is not true for debit cards, cashier's checks, certified checks, or money orders.

Be Familiar
Make online transactions with the companies you know. Almost all major companies that conduct retail or commercial business transactions, have websites where you may purchase items. If you are unfamiliar with a company, check their return and refund policies if making a purchase.

Also, you can also look for security links such as VeriSign, which when clicked, will link you to the verification page of a company at VeriSign's website. This shows that the company's website is registered with a legitimate online security service.

Keep Records
Keep a record of your online transactions. Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number. These are usually presented to you on screen at the end of an online transaction.

Also, be aware that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online purchases. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

Remember that shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won’t find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is a 24/7 operation and many merchants offer bargains to online consumers that may not be found in retail stores. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store, but remember to take precautions to help ensure that your online shopping experience is a safe one.

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