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.