Top 10 Tips for Shopping Safely Online
The experts agree that online shopping is fraught with risk. But the benefits are great, and if your savvy, the warning signs are easy to spot. Here are the top 10 tips for shopping safely online.
10 Tips for Shopping Safely
- Check the Web site’s URL to be sure you’re at the correct site – scammers can copy a trusted site almost exactly, but they can never copy the URL
- Shop with companies located in the United states, laws that protect shoppers in America don’t apply to stores outside the country
- If you’re buying an expensive piece of equipment (fitness machines, cell phone, computer, etc.), check to make sure the site you’re purchasing from is an authorized seller
- If you’re buying a collector’s item or brand name product, get a guarantee of authenticity
- Before you complete your purchase, check the store’s return policy and return shipping charges, restocking fees, etc.
- Check to make sure the company has customer service contact information available
- If you’re required to create an account during your purchase, create a strong password and don’t share it with anyone
- Shop only at secure sites that protect your financial information during the transaction
» The Web site address should start with "https" instead of "http"
» A closed padlock icon or unbroken key may appear at the bottom of your screen
- When purchasing products online, use a credit card instead of a debit card so that your information can’t be traced back to your bank account
- Keep print outs of your order, the seller’s contact information, the seller’s legal terms related to your purchase and any email confirmations or correspondences related to your purchase