Tips for Safer Online Shopping

Good deals, convenience, and choice abound on the Internet. The following tips are provided for you to enjoy a safer, more enjoyable online shopping experience:

Use a Secure Browser
This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction. Most computers come with a browser installed. You also can download some browsers for free over the Internet. We recommend Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher browser, the Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher browser, or America Online version 4.0 or higher.

Know the Seller
Shop with companies you know. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you’re not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services.

Be Aware of the company’s refund, return, and shipping and handling policies as well as legal terms before you place your order. These should be posted on the company’s Web site.

Pay by Credit or Charge Card
If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.

Find and Read the Privacy Policy
Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. If a site does not have a privacy policy posted, you may not want to do business with that site.

Double Check Pricing
Whether the product is being sold as new or used, be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item, particularly if you’re bidding through an auction site. You may want to comparison shop, online or offline, before you buy.

Keep Your Password(s) Private
Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date, or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.

Keep a Record
Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order, confirmation number, and the company’s legal terms for your records. Also, you should know that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that unless the company states otherwise, your merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

Trust Your Instincts
If you don’t feel comfortable buying or bidding on an item over the Web, or if you feel pressured to place your order immediately, maybe you shouldn’t.