Online Shopping Tips:
• Protect your computer. Install the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall;
• Shop on trustworthy Web sites. Check on sellers’ reputations and records for customer satisfaction at the BBB Web site. Always look for BBB seals and other widely-recognized trust marks on retailer Web sites and click on seals to confirm they are valid;
• Protect your personal information. Read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If one isn’t posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission;
• Beware of deals sounding too-good-to-be-true. Offers on Web sites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too-good-to-be-true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Trust your instincts and do not be afraid to pass up a deal that might cost you in the end;
• Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with orders or accounts to lure you into revealing financial information. If you receive such an e-mail, call the company’s contact number on the Web site where the purchase was made to confirm there really is a problem with the transaction;
• Confirm online purchases are secure. Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and the lower-right corner for the lock symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties” to see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site isn’t encrypted;
• Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law, you can dispute charges if you don’t receive the item. You also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on your credit card, and many card issuers have zero liability policies under which you pay nothing if someone steals your credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist;
• Keep documentation of orders. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or you might receive confirmation by e-mail. Save a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase;
• Check credit card statements often. Don’t wait for paper statements; check your credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or checking statements online regularly; and
• Know your rights. Federal law requires orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If goods aren’t shipped on time, you can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but you have the right to reject merchandise if it was defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, the company’s policies determine if you can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.
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• Protect your computer. Install the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a secure firewall;
• Shop on trustworthy Web sites. Check on sellers’ reputations and records for customer satisfaction at the BBB Web site. Always look for BBB seals and other widely-recognized trust marks on retailer Web sites and click on seals to confirm they are valid;
• Protect your personal information. Read the site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If one isn’t posted, it should be taken as a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without permission;
• Beware of deals sounding too-good-to-be-true. Offers on Web sites and in unsolicited e-mails can often sound too-good-to-be-true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items. Trust your instincts and do not be afraid to pass up a deal that might cost you in the end;
• Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with orders or accounts to lure you into revealing financial information. If you receive such an e-mail, call the company’s contact number on the Web site where the purchase was made to confirm there really is a problem with the transaction;
• Confirm online purchases are secure. Look in the address box for the “s” in https:// and the lower-right corner for the lock symbol before paying. If there are any doubts about a site, right-click anywhere on the page and select “Properties” to see the real URL (Web site address) and the dialog box will reveal if the site isn’t encrypted;
• Pay with a credit card. It’s best to use a credit card, because under federal law, you can dispute charges if you don’t receive the item. You also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on your credit card, and many card issuers have zero liability policies under which you pay nothing if someone steals your credit card number and uses it. Never wire money and only shop locally on sites like Craigslist;
• Keep documentation of orders. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or you might receive confirmation by e-mail. Save a copy of the Web page and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase;
• Check credit card statements often. Don’t wait for paper statements; check your credit card statements for suspicious activity by either calling credit card companies or checking statements online regularly; and
• Know your rights. Federal law requires orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If goods aren’t shipped on time, you can cancel and demand a refund. There is no general three-day cancellation right, but you have the right to reject merchandise if it was defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, the company’s policies determine if you can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit.
Read more>>
Categories:
Online Shopping,
Scam Prevention,
Shopping Tips
