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Answers
- What is Internet commerce or e-commerce?
Both these terms refer to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. Transactions are made electronically between businesses and consumers via the world-wide web.
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- Why shop over the Internet?
There are a whole host of reasons! It’s an easy way to window shop, find out product information and shop for the best deals. And of course, you don’t have to go anywhere to do so. No driving, no traffic, no parking problems, no sore feet, no crowds, no rushing before closing time and no heavy shopping. You can just sit back in the comfort of your own home, put on some music and surf your way to virtually anything you want.
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- What’s next on the on-line marketplace?
Security is always a big issue in any credit card transaction, wherever it happens. Visa is leading the way in developing new standards for on-line security and ever more sophisticated systems which will make shopping over the Internet even safer than shopping in the real world.
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- Can I use my Visa credit card over the Internet?
Yes. In fact, many on-line merchants prefer transactions to be made by credit card. It is much more efficient for them. And many merchants actively prefer transactions to be made by Visa card because it demonstrates to merchants that your bank recognises you as a valuable and responsible consumer. Visa is everywhere on the net, so using your Visa card gives you access to a wide choice of merchants around the world. Your Visa card will also help you get extremely favourable exchange rates when you shop on-line in other countries.
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- Can I use my Visa card on any Internet merchant site?
Not necessarily every one. However, just as in the physical world, a huge number of merchants do accept Visa. Look for the Visa symbol on their site or check on the payment information section.
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- Is it alright to send my Visa payment information through e-mail?
No. Regular e-mail is not secure so do not send your payment information down this route. It can be intercepted. Make sure you are using a secure browser when sending payment information, and that the merchant has secure e-commerce technology such as SSL or SET. Reputable merchants use encryption methods to ensure that your payment information is protected as it travels between you and them when you are making a transaction.
So if you are using your Visa card to pay, do so from within their web-site, not your own e-mail system.
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- Is it safe to shop on the Internet today?
Yes. Of course you want to feel comfortable about how secure your personal information will be when you divulge it to a merchant. There are various indications of a merchant’s security level. Look for symbols like an unbroken lock or key, a URL which starts https:// and the letters SSL or Secure Sockets Layer. These indicate that only you and the merchant can view your personal information, so shopping will be as safe on-line as anywhere else.
The two general rules are use a secure browser and make sure you are dealing with a responsible merchant on a secure site. See our Helpful Hints section for more details.
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- Are all companies on the Internet reliable?
The Internet is a vast, open network and it is one of the easiest ways for merchants to set up business and sell their products. While most merchants are reputable, honest and reliable, it is inevitable that some will not be. Use common sense when shopping and, if you are buying from some one you don’t know, check out their business practices or ask friends- just as you would if you were shopping by phone or mail.
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