| Before you do your online shopping, and especially, | | | | website. A trustworthy retailer has a telephone |
| before entering your credit card number, make sure | | | | number to call their customer service. |
| that your computer operating system and security | | | | Look for a web-page that includes information on the |
| software are updated (including firewall, anti-virus | | | | company's policies. Check if the return policy is existent |
| software, and anti-spyware). Make sure that you are | | | | and it is clear. It is good if a retailer is "VeriSign Secure", |
| using the most recent version of Web browser. | | | | "Hacker Safe", or "BBB" certified (although it does not |
| The first step is to find an exact product (that you | | | | guarantee a complete security). The letters "https" |
| need) with good quality and the best price. You can | | | | should appear at the beginning of the URL if you are |
| find reviews on almost any product on the Internet. | | | | on a page where you submit your personal and credit |
| There are many different product reviews websites - | | | | card information. It is better to deal with well-known |
| well-known general websites, like, ConsumerSearch (it | | | | and reputable payment systems. |
| compiles cross-references reviews from many | | | | If you have doubts, search Google, Yahoo, or Bing |
| sources) or special ones, like, NotebookReview. Many | | | | using the company name with the word "fraud", |
| websites allow you to compare prices on different | | | | "scam", or "complaint". Watch out for fake web-sites. |
| sites at the click of a mouse. | | | | Be aware that some websites may look like |
| When comparing prices, there are some useful tips to | | | | well-known companies' sites. Check your browser's |
| keep in mind. (1) Check the price of shipping; a low | | | | address bar to make sure that you use the correct |
| price with paid shipping may be a better deal than a | | | | website address. Also it would be good to check the |
| higher price with a free shipping. (2) For an expensive | | | | domain information using or Pay attention to the |
| item, you would feel comfortable using a more trusted | | | | registration date, registrar name, and contact info. |
| retailer even with high price. (3) Check the return policy | | | | Make sure to keep the receipt (printing normally |
| and possible insurance. In case of returning, some | | | | available at the end of your transaction). Keep copies |
| stores deduct a "restocking fee" from refund. | | | | of any emails you exchange with the seller. Do not |
| However, this fee should be voided if the item was | | | | share your passwords with anyone. Never provide |
| damaged or defective. | | | | your social insurance number, birth date, or any |
| The next step is to determine if a selected retailer is | | | | personal information that is irrelevant for shopping. |
| trustworthy. Be aware: there are many untrustworthy | | | | Notify your credit card company immediately if |
| retailers on the Internet. There is a certain probability | | | | anything wrong happens. Check your bank and credit |
| that you may get a bad product, have a bad | | | | card accounts regularly for any activity you did not |
| experience, or lose your money. When you visit a new | | | | initiate. Do not allow crooks avoid punishment - it will |
| website, use your intuition and common sense. The | | | | prevent you and others from becoming a victim of |
| first impression of web design is important for fraud | | | | online fraud in the future. |
| prevention. It should be clear and easy to navigate | | | | |