We understand that many people are concerned about security on the Internet. We want you to know that we have taken every possible precaution to ensure a secure shopping environment. That is why we use ShopSite shopping software:

• We use Thawte security. Follow this link to learn more about our Thawte certificate.
• We use RSA security. This means that your private order information is encrypted before being transferred over the net.
• In order to use the ShopSite software, merchants must use an RSA secure browser to access the orders that you place on-line. Click here to check your browsers security.
• We never E-mail critical order information.
• All order information, including credit card numbers, is encrypted while it is being stored on the server and is deleted from the server after being read by the merchant.

We take these precautions so that you can have peace of mind. Actually, despite some hype to the contrary, stealing credit card numbers on the Internet is not very common, and it is nearly impossible if you take certain precautions. Keeping your credit card numbers a secret is actually easier on the Internet than at the mall, on the phone, and at the gas station.

While anybody can go rooting through trash cans behind retail stores to find credit card receipts, there's a skilled few that can intercept email, and most of them have too little time and too much to lose by trying. Nevertheless, it is especially important that commercial Internet sites guard their data. Because they are prominent and people know that credit card numbers are being transferred there, they have to guard against theft in a way that private citizens do not. That is why good commercial sites use RSA encryption. This is a technology that encodes the information that you send as it is being sent and decodes it once it gets to the other end. If anyone in the middle intercepts it, it will look like a bunch of gibberish. This is how ShopSite and other commercial sites handle secure information.

When you bring up any page in a ShopSite store that asks you to enter secure information, a blue stripe will appear across the top of the display (if you are using Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer - also keep in mind that Navigator 4.0 uses a picture of a lock at the top instead of a blue line.). This means that all information being transmitted will be encrypted first. If you are not using a browser that supports encryption, you should be. Download Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer now. If you need more RAM to run these browsers, there are great deals on Comspec's Online Catalogue

You are much more likely to have your credit card number stolen from you in the real world than in cyberspace. However, if you take certain precautions you should never have a problem. To guard your number on the internet, use a secure browser when placing an order on-line. Also never e-mail your credit card number to a family member, friend or anyone unless you use secure e-mail.

The most important thing to remember is that if your account number, but not the actual card, has been used by an unauthorized person, you are not liable for any amount. Once you've reported a problem with your card by phone, follow up in writing with your card issuer and keep copies of all correspondence. Even if your credit card number were to be stolen on-line, you are not responsible for the charges.