What are the main privacy concerns and Internet security issues associated with online marketing?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Some direct marketers have been accused of taking unfair advantage of impulsive or less-sophisticated buyers. Television shopping channels, enticing Web sites, and program-long infomercials targeting television-addicted shoppers seem to be the worst culprits. They feature smooth-talking hosts, elaborately staged demonstrations, claims of drastic price reductions, "while they last" time limitations, and unequaled ease of purchase to inflame buyers who have low sales resistance. Fraudulent schemes, such as investment scams or phony collections for charity, have also multiplied in recent years. One common form of Internet fraud is phishing, a type of identity theft that uses deceptive e-mails and fraudulent online sites to fool users into divulging their personal data. Although many consumers are now aware of such schemes, phishing can be extremely costly to those caught in the net. It also damages the brand identities of legitimate online marketers who have worked to build user confidence in Web, e-mail, and other digital transactions. Many consumers also worry about online and digital security. They fear that unscrupulous snoopers will eavesdrop on their online transactions and social media postings, picking up personal information or intercepting credit and debit card numbers. Another Internet marketing concern is that of access by vulnerable or unauthorized groups.