Safe Online Shopping Tips

If you don't know an online retailer by its brand or reputation, these tips can help you determine whether they're operating a secure and trustworthy Web site before you enter your credit card number or personal information.

1. Look for a physical address (not a Post Office box), or call and talk to a company representative. If you don't see an address - avoid the website altogether.

2. Explore the Web site for third-party seals of approval such as:
BBB - Better Business Bureau, InternetSecure or Other secure site logos. If you do see a logo, click them to make sure they link to the organization that created them. Some unscrupulous merchants will put these logos on their sites without permission, and they're less likely to get caught if they don't link back to the site.

3. Review their shipping methods and policies to determine what carriers they use and their shipping rates.

4. Most importantly, find out WHERE they ship from—goods are sometimes sent from international locations, which require customs and extra time and money. Look for a PHYSICAL ADDRESS or at least a city and province.

5. According to the Experts, Credit Cards ARE the safest method for online purchases. The last thing you want to use is a debit card. Most credit cards have protection on them. If someone rips you off, you can dispute the charge. Debit cards pull money right from your bank account. It can take months to get your money back, if you ever see it again. The beauty of using a credit card is that it's not just your money on the line; it's the creditor's money, too. If you have a problem with your transaction the credit card company will go to bat for you to resolve it.

6. The Web site should use secure technology. When you get to the screen where you enter your credit card number or other personal information, make sure that the Web address begins with https – plural - (for example, https://www.giftsforeveryreason.com/) and check to see if a tiny locked padlock appears at the bottom right of the screen.

7. Keep your receipt handy. It is proof that the item was purchased. It also contains information as to how to contact the seller and a sales or receipt number to refer to when calling with inquiries.

Complied from various resources: www.microsoft.com / www.nclnet.org/ www.bankrate.com/ www.yahoo.com/