Using your Visa^® card online is both quick and easy. And, to help provide a safe online shopping experience, Visa created the Verified by Visa^® service.

Verified by Visa is a password based security program that ensures you are the only person who can use your Visa card through your personal password at participating online merchants. Cardholders setup a password with their financial institution and use the password when shopping online at merchants enabled with this service.

Shopping online is a great convenience, but there are a few basic things you should know before you begin. Follow these tips to help you shop smart and stay safe.

• Register for Verified by Visa at www.visa.ca/verified
• Keep user names and passwords secret
• Use the latest version of your browser's software and check to be sure your computer's operating system software is up to date.
• Use only secure Internet browsers that allow secure transmission of data
• Only give your card details when you initiate a purchase
• Keep a record of transactions, either through e-mail confirmations or by writing down confirmation numbers provided by a merchant, and review monthly statements thoroughly
• Check the site for the merchant's delivery and return policies before making a purchase to ensure items can be returned if they are not in satisfactory condition
• Never respond to an e-mail request for personal or account information, even if it appears to be from a trusted source
• Never send payment information via e-mail since e-mail is not secure and outside parties can read information that travels over e-mail

In addition, Visa also provides added protection to cardholders who shop online, by phone or mail, through the Visa E-Promise. The Visa E-Promise assures cardholders that if they have tried, and have been unsuccessful in resolving a dispute with an online, phone order or mail order merchant, they can contact their Visa card issuer directly to help resolve the credit card charge in question*. Get more information on the Visa E-Promise.

*Where the cardholder has lawfully cancelled their agreement with an online, phone, or mail order merchant; the item was not received; or the item is different from what was ordered.