Your Private Information

Payment System Security

Before providing your credit card number or other financial information, make sure the merchant has a secure transaction system. Most Internet browsers indicate when you are using a secure Internet link. Look for one or both of these clues:

• An icon, often a lock or key somewhere on the outer edge of your browser window; the lock should be in the locked position and the key should be unbroken.
• Whether the website address begins with https:// — the s indicates that the site is secure.

Know what information you are giving to the vendor and why

Never deal with vendors who do not post a privacy policy committing them to protecting your personal information. For many Internet vendors, your personal information is as important as the money you pay for a product or service. Make sure you know why vendors are asking for information and what they intend to use it for; ask yourself whether it is reasonable for the vendor to use your information in this way. Canadian companies are subject to privacy laws. For more information, contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.