You’re browsing the Web and found a great buy on a jacket: good price, in your size, and just the right color. But is it safe to buy online? What can you do to make sure your money and privacy are protected? These simple steps that can improve your online shopping experience.
Investigate
the Seller
Anyone can sell
things online,
so it is a good
habit to check
out the online
seller before
you make a
purchase. Make
sure the Web
site gives the
business’ name,
mailing address
(more than a
post office box)
and telephone
number. Are you
familiar with
the seller’s
merchandise or
services? Can
you tell exactly
what you’re
getting based on
the site’s
description or
pictures?
Also, do you understand all costs (including price, shipping, and taxes), delivery time, warranty information, and the return policy? Make sure the site has clear information about what you can do if you have problems with your purchase.
Check
the Site’s
Security
Only do business
with companies
that use secure
server
technology. This
works with your
Web browser to
scramble your
personal
information—such
as your credit
card number—as
as it travels
over the
Internet. If the
site is secure,
the “http” in
the address bar
at the top of
your screen will
change to
“https” or
“shttp” at the
page where you
are asked to
type in payment
information.
Always check for
this before
entering your
information.
Don’t buy online
if the site
isn’t secure.
Read
the Site's
Privacy Policy
Understand how
the seller will
use your
personal
information.
Many online
stores will sell
information
about you to
other companies.
But, today,
companies have
to let you
choose whether
or not the
company can
share your
information with
others. Exercise
your right to
“opt out” if you
don’t want the
seller to pass
to others
information
about you. If
you don’t like
the privacy
policy, don’t
deal with that
retailer.
A recent survey showed that 78 percent of people responding are “uncomfortable” to “extremely uncomfortable” with providing personal information to online merchants with no privacy policy or seal on their Web site.
Choose
Your Password
Carefully
If you use a
password to log
on to your
computer, choose
a different one
to make a
purchase. Also,
use an
unpredictable
combination of
numbers, letters
and symbols. Do
not give your
password to
anyone who
contacts you,
including people
who claim to be
employees of
online services
or stores. Never
use part or all
of your Social
Security number
as a password.
Pay
By Credit Card
Paying by credit
card is the
safest and
quickest way to
shop online. The
federal Fair
Credit Billing
Act gives you
the right to
dispute credit
card charges for
goods or
services that
you never
received, never
ordered or that
were
misrepresented
to you. So, if
you have a
problem with
your purchase,
you may be able
to withhold
payment while
your credit card
company
investigates the
problem.
Also, if a thief has used your credit card, you are usually responsible for only the first $50 in charges. For additional security, you can ask your credit card company about getting a “single-use” credit card number that allows you to buy online using a temporary card number.
Keep
a Record
Be sure to print
and file a copy
of your order
and confirmation
number in case
you have a
problem with
your purchase.
Keep a written
record of
shipping and
handling costs
as well as the
amount of the
item(s). By law,
online
businesses must
deliver
merchandise
within 30 days
of purchase or
notify you if
there will be a
delay.
Better
Safe Than Sorry
In case you’re
tempted to think
that safety
precautions
aren’t all that
important when
you make
purchases on the
Internet,
consider this:
Consumers
reported losses
of more than
$200 million
dollars to
Internet fraud
in 2003. If you
value your hard
earned cash and
your privacy, it
pays for you to
take safety
precautions when
you buy online.
Complaint Resources
The following government agencies and private organization Web sites contain information on complaining about an online merchant:
Federal Trade
Commission
FTC Consumer
Complaint Form
One should consult with a qualified financial planning professional prior to implementing real estate strategies.
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