We recently told you about new PayPal purchase protection to help you shop with peace of mind this holiday season. Now when you shop online using PayPal on eBay or on merchant sites, you’re protected if your purchase doesn’t show up, or is significantly different from what you ordered.

And, we just launched a new security center on PayPal.com, called “Security and Protection.” It’s a great resource to find out more about how to stay safe online, as well as receive information on what to do if you have an issue with something you bought or sold. So whether you think you’ve received a fraudulent e-mail, have an issue with a product you purchased, or just want to learn more about how PayPal protects its customers, check out the new site.

And while I have your attention, I can’t resist reminding you about some simple things you can do this holiday season (and throughout the year) to stay safe online.

• Use a safe password – Use a strong password which includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters and numbers. The more complex your password, the safer you are.
• Use a safe browser – Use an updated Internet browser like Internet Explorer 7 or 8, or Firefox 3.0 or higher, which blocks fraudulent websites. And don’t forget to keep your antivirus software updated.
• Beware of links in e-mail – Be wary of clicking on links in e-mail. In general, if you’re expecting a company to email you about a specific topic (say, for instance, you forgot your password), then you’re probably OK. But beware of emails that tell you, “ACT NOW! Something horrible is going to happen to your account!” If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to open a new browser and type in the URL of the company in question.

And finally, that time-honored adage is just as relevant in the modern technology world: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you wouldn’t do something in the offline world, don’t assume it’s OK to do online.

Happy holidays!

Michael Barrett, Chief Information Security Officer

Quelle: thepaypalblog.com