Since anyone can sell things online, it is a good (and highly recommended) habit to check out the online seller before you make a purchase. Make sure the site gives the business’s name, mailing address (more than a post office box) and telephone number. Are you familiar with the seller’s merchandise or services? It is preferable to shop with companies you are familiar with. For instance, most reputable stores have Web sites as well. These are generally the safest ones to stick with. Also make certain that you are aware of exactly what you’re getting based on the site’s description or pictures, and be certain that you fully understand all costs incurred (including price, shipping, and taxes), the delivery time, any warranty information, and return policy. Make sure the site has clear information about what you can do if you have problems with your purchase. Read carefully all the information provided on the site, especially that which pertains to how the seller will use your personal information. Many online stores will sell information about you to other companies; however, companies are required to let you choose whether or not the company can share this information with others. Exercise your right to “opt out” if you don’t want the seller to pass information about you to others, and if you don’t like the privacy policy, don’t deal with that retailer.
Be creative when you establish a password, and never give this out to anyone. Do not give your password to anyone who contacts you, including people who claim to be employees of online services or stores. Reputable companies do not ask for this information as they already have it in their records, if you’ve done business with them before. Avoid using a phone numbers, birthdates, or your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols. This is more unpredictable. If you use a password to log onto your computer, choose a different one to make purchases with.
When it comes to your actual purchase, 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 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. Paying by credit card is the safest and quickest way to shop online.
Always keep a record of your purchase order and confirmation number. Be sure to print and file a copy of this in case you have a problem with your purchase later. Keep a written record of shipping and handling costs as well as the amount of the merchandise. Also, you should know that the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule applies to online orders as well. This means that by law, online businesses must deliver the merchandise within 30 days of purchase or notify you if there will be a delay.
If you practice these safety precautions beforehand, there should not be anything to worry about as you shop online. It is one of the safest and most convenient ways to accomplish your shopping needs, especially during the holidays.
For more tips on safe shopping online, visit SafeShopping.org