ONLINE SHOPPING

Be Cautious with "Electronic Signatures"

A recent federal law enables shoppers to verify online purchases with merchants using an "electronic signature." Usually, this process is nothing more than clicking on a box that says you accept the terms of the order.

The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, also known as the E-Sign Act, is a complex law. It states that electronic signatures and electronic records used in interstate and foreign commerce will not be denied validity just because they are in electronic form. Further, the law says that online purchases do not need to be accompanied by the more traditional handwritten signature on a paper document.

Consumer advocates opposed the law because it lacks important safeguard against fraud. For example, the law does not require online merchants to comply with such standards as message integrity (security and accuracy in transmission), privacy of customer data, and authentication of sender.

The faults of the E-Sign Act require you the customer to shop cautiously on the Internet. The tips offered in this guide will help you make sure the online companies you choose are secure and honest.