On-Line Shopping Tips

Use your common sense when shopping on-line. Don't do anything you wouldn't do when dealing with a mail-order company. Designate one credit card for e-commerce. If the number is stolen, it's easier to cancel one card than several.

Tips

• Check out the merchant's reliability. Read the company's privacy policy and security policies before you buy. Look for the Trust-e symbol or a BBB online seal.
• Set a budget. You may be on a virtual shopping trip, but remember, you are spending real money; decide what you can afford to spend before you log on.
• Make sure the company has a physical location. Make sure you have the company's address and phone number. Before making a purchase, call the number to verify the information you were supplied on the company's web page.
• Determine the company's refund and return policies.
• Be smart about creating passwords. If you are required to create an account with a password, never use the same password you use for other accounts or sites. Don't reveal your password in response to unsolicited emails.
• Never give out your social security number or personal bank account information.
• Print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records.
• Know your rights! The same laws protect you in cyberspace that protect you when you shop by phone or mail.
• Only use secure servers. You can tell a secure server by the presence of the whole security key (not broken) symbol at the bottom of the screen.

 

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