Help

  1. How can I detect fraudulent activity?

    It is important to distinguish between online businesses and Internet fraud. Fake auction sites, investment scams, SPAM (unsolicited e-mails) and shady business deals are all popular methods used by fraud artists.

    Following are some tips that can help you avoid being a victim:

    • Do not buy anything you hear about through SPAM
    • Only buy from reputable auction sites and sellers with good references.
    • Do not do business with anonymous users, there is likely a reason they do not want you to know who they are.
    • Save copies of all documents involved in the deal.
    • Know the site's privacy policy and security features.
    • Know the delivery date of the product or service.
  2. What should I do if I suspect fraudulent activity or believe I am a victim of fraud?

    Immediately contact your Financial Institution. They may be able to stop the transaction and can instruct you on how to proceed.

  3. How does the Interac Online service protect my personal information?

    The Interac Online service does not collect or transmit any personal information during the transaction. Only the purchase details necessary to complete the transaction are passed over the Internet using industry standard encryption technology called Secure Socket Layer (SSL). The Interac Online service follows industry best practices for site and data security and requires all participants to do the same.

  4. How does the Interac Online service ensure that my information remains confidential?

    Any personal information collected for an Interac Online transaction is collected by the merchant or Financial Institution either at the time of the transaction or at the time you registered with the merchant or the Financial Institution. For information regarding how the merchant and the Financial Institutions are protecting your information please refer to their respective privacy policies. The Interac Online service does not require any personal information to complete a payment transaction. All transactions use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology, the industry standard for sending information securely from your web browser to Interac Online participating servers.

  5. How can I ensure that a web page is secure?

    There are two general indications that a web page is secure:

    1) Check the web page URL - Normally, when browsing the web, the URLs (web page addresses) begin with the letters "http," however, over a secure connection the address displayed should begin with "https" - note the "s" at the end.

    2) Check for the "Lock" icon - There is a de facto standard among web browsers to display a "Lock" icon somewhere in the window of the browser (NOT in the web page display area.)

    The "Lock" icon is not just a picture. Click (or double-click) on it to see details of the site's security. This is important to know because some fraudulent web sites are built with a bar at the bottom of the web page to imitate the lock icon of your browser. Therefore it is necessary to test the functionality built into this "Lock" icon. Furthermore, it is very important to know your browser. Check your browser's help file or contact the makers of your browser software if you are unsure how to use this functionality.

    Another indicator of a secure web page is a "secure site seal," e.g. Verisign, GeoTrust, SSL.com, etc., which allows you to learn more about the website you visit before you submit any confidential information.

  6. Where can I get more information to better protect myself?

    Your Financial Institution is the best place to begin understanding the security and fraud issues that may exist in the online world. This information is readily available and can be found by visiting your Financial Institution's website and by choosing the security option which is visible on their homepage.