In today's age, most online merchants will offer secure transactions.

That been said, there are a few merchants which may not have caught up to the times. We do not recommend shopping with an online merchant that does not supply secure transactions, simply because it is not secure.

It is a good idea to pay with your credit card, simply because your credit card agreement should state that your liability for unauthorized purchases is limited to $50. This is also under federal law.

How can you tell if a web site is secure?
If you are using Internet Explorer, or Netscape, check in the bottom right hand corner of your web browser. Once you reach the screen where you are instructed to enter your credit card information, you should see a locked padlock.  This padlock indicates a secure transaction (ssl) is about to take place. If you are on the credit card entry screen and you do not see the padlock, then the transaction is probably not secure, and we would not recommend entering confidential information, such as your credit card number.

Most retailers will use third party secure transactions, such as Thawte and TrustE.