Shopping online can save time, money and effort. If you aren’t careful though, you may not be happy with the results. Therefore, stop and think before you click! Here are a few precautions for shopping through a catalog
or online:
1 Know the seller! Confirm the seller’s physical address and phone number in case you need to get in touch.
1 Read between the lines. Read the seller’s description closely, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished," "vintage," or "close-out" may indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition. Name-brand items with too-good-to-be-true prices could be fakes.
1 Calculate the costs. Use websites that offer price comparisons and then compare "apples to apples." Be sure to add shipping and handling into the order's total cost.
1 Pay by credit or charge card. Never, ever send cash!!!
1 Check out the terms of the deal, such as refund policies and delivery dates. The law requires sellers to ship items as promised or within 30 days after the order date if no specific date is promised.
1 Keep a paper trail. Be sure to keep a copy of your order and any other correspondence. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description, price, online receipt and copies of any e-mail with the seller.
1 Read credit card statements as you receive them to be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
1 Don’t e-mail your financial information. E-mail isn't a secure method to transmit financial or personal information like your credit card, checking account or SS#. Adapted from: "Online Shopping," OnGuardOnline.gov, February, 2008.