On-line Shopping Tips

On-line Shopping Tips from Verizon ... Thanks to Jack Duffy who passed them on.

If you're like most people, you're so stressed during the holidays that the ease and convenience of shopping online can seem like an extra holiday gift. But this is not the time to let your guard down about protecting your sensitive information. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your online holiday shopping secure, and ensure that you're only giving to those on your list.

• Be sure you're using a secure server before you enter credit card information online. If you are using a secure server, the address should start with https (not http), and a closed padlock should appear in the status bar at the bottom of the screen.
• Compare prices before buying. If the price is outrageously low, your item may be refurbished or used.
• Check the ratings of other customers. Sites such as Epinions, CNET and BizRate aggregate the best prices of various retailers, and include customer reviews, so you can get an unbiased opinion before you buy.
• Use companies you are familiar with. Anyone can open an online store in minutes and be gone tomorrow. If you are unfamiliar with the store, look for a contact address at a physical location, check for a return policy, and check to see if there have been complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.
• Print and keep information about your order, as well as other information you may need, such as return policies, company information, specific product information and warranty information.
• Check the return policy before you order so you will know what to expect before you order. Some companies offer no refunds or returns, or charge a "restocking fee"-something good to know before you do business with them.
• Use credit cards, not debit cards. The Fair Credit Billing Act in most cases limits your liability for credit card charges you didn't make to $50, and allows you to protest a credit card charge if you don't get what you ordered. Debit cards are not covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
• Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true. it probably is!

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