| Online shopping is an easy and convenient way of | | | | cost is before submitting the payment form, including |
| purchasing items. Because there are so many online | | | | the taxes and delivery charges. Keep a record of the |
| retailers, it is important to be aware of essential online | | | | transaction. |
| shopping practices that should be implemented before | | | | - Inspect your new purchase as soon as it arrives and |
| making an online purchase. | | | | check your credit card statement. |
| The following is a list of helpful tips on the Do's and | | | | DON'T |
| Don'ts of Online Shopping to help make your shopping | | | | - Don't send financial and personal information in an |
| experience much safer and easier: | | | | email. Don't respond to emails that request financial |
| DO | | | | identification and other personal information. |
| - Make sure that you are shopping at a legitimate and | | | | - Don't leave your credit card number stored on your |
| established online site. Look for business contact | | | | computer where someone else can access and steal |
| numbers and email addresses. Check to see if the site | | | | it. |
| is listed as a verified seller of goods and services. | | | | - Don't use a debit card or money wire transfer |
| Make sure their payment transactions involve shielding | | | | because the money will go directly into the merchant's |
| your credit card details from third parties. Look for a | | | | account. It will be much more difficult to get your |
| standard protection logo such as a trustmark from a | | | | money back if there is a problem. Using a pre-load |
| reputable security site. Only sites that pass identity | | | | credit card is a good choice because you can easily |
| theft and credit fraud security tests can display a | | | | dispute fraudulent charges. |
| trustmark. You should also read the website's security | | | | - Don't make a purchase from a website if you are |
| and privacy policy. | | | | feeling uncomfortable. Look for links to "About" pages |
| - Use a payment method that protects your financial | | | | or "FAQ" pages, and if there is no mention about |
| and personal identity. Sites such as PayPal do not | | | | protecting the privacy of its customers, you should |
| reveal any of your credit card or bank account | | | | shop somewhere else. |
| information. Encryption is essential to ensuring secure | | | | - Don't make purchases from an online retailer that |
| online purchases. Encryption will code your personal | | | | does not provide an actual physical address and |
| and financial data after you hit the payment submit | | | | telephone number. |
| button. Websites that use encryption will display a key | | | | The internet provides a wide range of resources for |
| or closed lock in the web browser. Make sure the | | | | consumers to purchase products. According to a 2008 |
| payment site address begins with https:. | | | | Nielsen Global Online Survey on Internet shopping, |
| - Watch out for internet fraud and identity theft. There | | | | "over 85% of the world's online population has used |
| are illegitimate companies that will send emails offering | | | | the Internet to make a purchase. Online shoppers tend |
| products at a great discount. Be aware of scammers | | | | to stay with shopping sites they are familiar with, "with |
| and those trying to steal your financial information. | | | | 60% saying they buy mostly from the same site." |
| Maintain a current firewall and anti-virus software. | | | | When shopping online, security should be your number |
| - Use a payment method that guarantees your money | | | | one concern. By using common sense, your own gut |
| will be returned if there is a problem with the product | | | | instinct, and implementing safe shopping practices, you |
| or shipment. Read the merchant's terms and conditions | | | | will have a much easier and safer online shopping |
| before making the purchase. Find out what the total | | | | experience. |