13 TOP TIPS FOR SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING   by SafeShoppingPlus.com

1. Secure Website.                              

Look for the "s" following "http" in the web address.   "S" stands for security, indicating the site is secure.   However sometimes you do not see the "https" until you move onto the site's order.

2. Research the Web Site before You Order.

Do business with reliable companies. If the company is unfamiliar, do some research before buying their products.

 

3. Know exactly what you are buying.

Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print.

4. Know what it will cost.

Do price comparisons.

5. Review the return, refund, shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms.

If you can not find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in writing.

6. Read the Web Site's Privacy Policy and Security Policies.

Every reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled "Privacy Policy.” You can find out if the merchant intends to share your information with a third party or affiliate company. Beware of unsolicited e-mail and even mail or phone solicitations from these companies.

7. Never Give Out Your Personal Information.

Do not provide personal information such as address, telephone number, Social Security number, bank account number, or e-mail address unless you know who you are providing the information to, why it is being requested, and how it will be used. Giving out your personal information could lead to having your identity stolen.

8. Beware of Spam.

When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations.

9. Keep Your Password Private.

Most reputable e-commerce web sites require the shopper to log-in before placing or viewing an order. The shopper is usually required to provide a username and a password. Never reveal your password to anyone. When selecting a password, do not use commonly known information, such as your birthdate, mother's maiden name, or numbers from your driver's license or Social Security number. Do not reuse the same password for other sites. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters.

10. Check the Web Site Address.

Above the web site at the top of your screen is a rectangular window that contains the web site address (also called the URL, or Uniform Resource Locator). By checking that address, you can make sure that you are dealing with the correct company. Do not respond to any request for financial information that comes to you in an email.                                

                                                                                                                               

11. Pay with Paypal.

The safest way to shop on the Internet is with Paypal.   To sign up Paypal account is free, you can link your debit card or credit card to your Paypal account.  For your protection, your personal information is stored securely and never shared.  With Paypal, you do not have to enter your payment details over and over again.   There is no charge to shop online using Paypal.  Learn more about ^Paypal.  For comparison, you may also consider  ^{Amazon Web Pay} or ^AlertPay.

12. Always Print Copies of Your Orders.

Do not forget to print out at least on e copy of the web page(s) describing the item you ordered as well as the page showing company name, postal address, phone number, and legal terms, including return policy. Keep it for your own records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy.

13. Review your Credit Card and Bank Statement.

Carefully review your credit card and bank statement each month for unauthorized charges and notify your credit card company or bank immediately if you notice any charges you didn't authorize.