Safe Online Shopping Checklist...

Shopping Mall

 Things to beware of when visiting an online shopping website:

• A secure website protects you by encrypting your credit card information during the checkout process. You can verify that it's a secure page when the URL address begins with "https://". Look for the s in your browser's address bar at the top of your screen before you enter your credit card number or other personal information. Also, if you use Internet Explorer, you will see a closed lock symbol on your screen when you are on secure pages. If you are using a Netscape browser, the symbol is an unbroken key.



• Look for the merchant's contact information including phone number, fax number, e-mail address and standard mailing address.



• A stated privacy policy that emphasizes the protection of your personal information from other individuals or companies.



• A specific policy for returns and refunds. This area of the site should include a satisfaction guarantee.



• Clearly stated shipping charges for purchases to eliminate unwelcome surprises. Be aware of the requirements for guarantees such as free shipping or next-day delivery. Sometime you may get a pop-up offering rebates or free shipping. Beware that if you click anything on the pop-up you will be directed to another website which may not be secure. Many of these type of incentive offers have one basic goal - to gather your personal information and sell it to others.



• A customer registration or sign-up page that doesn't require you to provide your Social Security number or information about your bank account.



• An expected delivery date that is stated when you make a purchase. When ordering online, you have the right to know if there are any delays and to decide whether you wish to accept the delay or cancel the order. Many websites email a copy of your order with links to track the shipping. Some shippers offer tracking service as well.



• A purchase order or confirmation number for your transaction so you can refer to it in the event of any problems. This information should be printed out every time you place an order. Many online merchants will email a confirmation to you, but some do not. So, its always a good practice to print a paper copy. This is particularly important if you are making an online purchase for a business and need to keep receipts for tax purposes.



• When checking out using an online shopping cart, click the "Submit Order" or similar button only once and wait for the next screen to fully load. If you get impatient and click the button a second time you might just double your order.

 Reporting fraud or scam attempts...

• Better Business Bureau
  
• Consumer Information Center
  
• Consumer Reports
  
• Consumer World
  
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
  
• Consumer Issues
  
• Scam Busters
  
  

• Credit Information Center
  
• Food and Drug Administration
  
• Insurance Information Institute
  
• Rating Wonders
  
• NICE Fact Sheets
  
• The Consumer Law Page
  
• Product ReviewNet
  
• Internet Fraud Watch