How to Shop Safe
1. Make Your Connection Secure
Before you submit any sensitive or private information about yourself—especially your credit-card number—make sure that the data will be encrypted and transmitted over a secure connection. Both your browser and the Web site's server should support industry standards, such as Secure Electronic Transaction (SET) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Look for a “https://” at the beginning of the page’s URL to know if the page is secure or not. Also, a closed lock should be displayed, when viewing a secure page, at the bottom right corner (For Internet Explorer user.) or at the bottom left corner (For Netscape users.) of your browser’s window.
2. Protect Your Passwords
Don't create a password based on information that can be easily discovered, such as your birth date, telephone number, or Social Security number. Instead, use a unique combination of at least five letters, numbers, or symbols.
3. Protect Your Privacy
Take a moment to read the company's privacy policy, which should detail what information the site collects and how it will be used. Limit your exposure by filling out on-line forms carefully. Don't volunteer optional information. Instead, provide only the information required to complete a transaction. Never divulge information, such as your mother's maiden name, that can be used to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. Various free and fee-based Web services will let you surf and shop anonymously. For example, Anonymizer or Privada will let you visit Web sites without revealing your name or e-mail address.
4. Use an Insured Payment Method
Paying for your on-line purchases with a credit or charge card isn't just convenient, it's smart. Your transaction is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which gives you the right to dispute charges and to withhold payment until the dispute is settled. In addition, if your credit or charge card is used fraudulently, you are normally liable for only $50 of the total amount. Cash payments are increasingly common on the Internet, thanks to on-line auction sites. For large sums, you should use a fee-based escrow service, such as Tradenable.
5. Check References
Look for the Better Business Bureau Online Reliability Seal , which guarantees that a company has been in business for a minimum of one year, has become a member of a local Better Business Bureau, and agrees to arbitration in case of a dispute. Some sites provide a feedback section, where people who have previously bought goods can comment on the reliability of individual sellers (see our Forums and Chat section).
6. Check the Terms of the Sale
Reputable on-line retailers display the terms and conditions of the sale, including warranties on the merchandise, limitations of liability, and return and refund policies. Some sites display this information prominently on a "click-wrap" screen that requires you to accept the terms before completing the purchase. Other sites provide links to the information.
7. Include Taxes and Shipping
Scrutinize the shipping and handling fees tacked onto your bill. Per-item fees and expedited shipping methods can bloat the total purchase price. Look for sites that offer low-cost shipping methods or that deliver free of charge when you place a large order. Charging sales tax is required by law in many states.
8. Double-Check Order Forms
Before you finalize a purchase, proofread your order form. Typos, such as typing "22" instead of "2,2" can be costly mistakes. If your shipping address differs from your billing address, there is no way for the vendor to confirm its accuracy, so double-check it yourself. You should also make sure that the pricing information you see on-screen is absolutely current and not an old price from a page that was cached on your system during a previous visit.
9. Estimate the Delivery Date
The seller should inform you of an approximate delivery date. Federal Trade Commission rules state that if the seller does not specify a time period in which the product will be shipped, the merchant must either ship the product within 30 days, or notify you of the delay and offer to cancel the order and refund your money.
The delivery time clock begins when the company receives enough information to process your order.
If a company cannot meet the specified shipping date, you must be notified and given the option of canceling for a full refund. If you do not respond to the first notice of a delay of 30 days or less, then the order is considered still in effect.
If a company cannot meet the updated shipping date, a second notice must be given. The order is considered canceled unless you consent to the further delay.
10. Complain About Problems
If you do experience a problem with an on-line purchase, notify the company immediately. Check the Web site for a toll-free phone number, an e-mail address, or links to customer service. If the company itself does not resolve the problem, contact the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state attorney general's office .
What the BBB warns you about
According to the Better Business Bureau, you should keep these guidelines in mind while shopping a merchant on-line :
- Think about security, starting with your connection. Unsecured information sent over the Internet can be intercepted. That's why you should consider a secure browser, which will encrypt or scramble purchase information. Check with your software manufacturer for additional information specific to your browser.
- Pay attention to the address of the merchant's site, the Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL ensures that you are dealing with the correct company.
- Look for web sites that are professionally designed and provide name, address and contact information for the company. You may even want to call the phone number to verify it. In addition you can check a company' reports with organizations like the BBB and consumer agencies. If you are unfamiliar with the company or aren't able to find information on its location, request written materials that will supply you with the permanent business information you'll need if you have to contact the company again.
- Some internet sites ask you to create an account with a password. To protect yourself, never use the same password you use for other accounts or sites. And don't reveal your password in response to unsolicited e-mails, even if they claim to be from your internet service provider.
- Be cautious if you're asked to supply personal information, such as your Social Security number or personal bank account information. They should not be required to make a purchase.
- A site should also have a privacy policy telling you how it will treat information you submit while making a purchase. If you cannot find one, contact the site and ask to see its policy on privacy protection.
- Pay close attention to all the information you enter. A single, accidental keystroke may mean you've ordered the wrong item or wrong number of items.
- Always print out a copy of each purchase order with a confirmation number and file it.
- Ask about shipping charges so you'll know in advance what you will be expected to pay. Before ordering, understand what the company's return policy is.
- Under law, a company should ship your order within the time it advertises. If a deadline for shipment is not given, federal law says the company should ship the product within 30 days, unless you also are applying for credit. Companies must alert you to delays and get your approval or let you cancel and receive a refund.
- Credit Card Caution: Before giving out your credit card number online, look for the graphic on your browser that indicates that the business is operating with a secure server. If you are not comfortable that the connection is secure, you may not wish to transmit your credit card information.
- Look for the BBBOnLine Seals: Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. The BBBOnLine Reliability Seal demonstrates an online business has agreed to stand behind its goods and services, the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal demonstrates that BBBOnLine has verified a company's commitment to its privacy policies. If a site carries the BBBOnLine Reliability Seal, click on it to confirm participation, to link to the company's profile and other information. If participation is not confirmed, an alert is sent to BBBOnLine for investigation and you can ask to be notified of the results.
If a site carries the BBBOnLine Privacy Seal, click on it to confirm participation, to link to the company's privacy policy and to link to BBBOnLine Privacy Program standards.
