Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Tips to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Use Companies You Know
Anyone can open a store online in minutes and be gone tomorrow. Make sure you either know of the store or you should research it. Here are some things to research before doing business with an unknown company.
1. Make sure there is contact information for the company (business name, address, and telephone number).
2. Compare this with information from the domain register
3. Check to see if there has been complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Attorney Generals.
4. Compare Prices Before Buying If the price is too low there may be something wrong like it is used or it may be a bait and switch deal.
5. Check the Return Policy Before You Order When shopping we all hope that we get what we expect but sometimes there are problems that arise with what we ordered. Check the company's return policy before you order online so you will know what to expect before you order. Some companies offer no returns and you may not want to do business with them.
6. Use a Credit Card Don't use debit cards to shop online - they don't offer the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act which protects you. If you have problems with someone using the card, in most cases you will only be held liable for $50 of the charges and you can protest a charge if you don't get what you ordered.
7. Print and Keep Information About Your Order, Print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies. Also print out other information you may need such as return policies, company information, specific product information and warranty information.
8. Use Secure Passwords- Learn how to create a secure password that isn't easily hacked.
9. Trust Your Instincts- If It Sounds Too True To Be Good... It probably is!

Following these tips will help you to not get ripped off while shopping online.