Online shopping

When shopping online, it is worthwhile to check the information related to the retailer and the commerce, such as the shop's contact details and terms of payment and delivery. The safest electronic methods of payment include online bank transfers and services provided by credit card companies through which you can make a payment without giving your credit card number to the retailer.

You should never give out your debit or credit card PIN number in e-mails or when doing business online.

Online shopping is even more secure if the retailer uses a Verified by Visa or MasterCard Security Code service for verifying online payments.

If you give your credit card number or other confidential information to the retailer, make sure the information is sent over a secure encrypted connection in order to prevent outsiders from accessing the information. The connection is encrypted when the address in the address bar of the browser begins with https: instead of http:. The letter 's' stands for 'secure'. Another sing of a secure connection is a locked padlock symbol in the browser window frame. Always look for the two signs when you are on a website where you enter payment information.

Electronic bank transfers are payment products offered by banks and used for payments in online shopping. After the customer has finished shopping and selected his or her own bank's online bank transfer as the payment method, the retailer fills in the online invoice of the chosen bank on behalf of the customer. The customer logs in to the online service of the chosen bank and pays the invoice. After the payment, the customer returns to the website of the retailer.

In order to make electronic bank transfers you need passwords from your bank. Electronic bank transfers are usually domestic but can also be international, depending on the bank.

Paying e-mail and online invoices is similar to making electronic bank transfers in online shopping.

For further information on online shopping, visit the TIEKE (Finnish Information Society Development Centre) website (content in Finnish).