Online Shopping: A Safety Checklist
By: AARP Education & Outreach | Source: AARP.org | | February 19, 2004
You’re browsing the Web and found a great buy on a jacket: good price, in your size, and just the right color. But is it safe to buy online? What can you do to make sure your money and privacy are protected? These simple steps that can improve your online shopping experience.
Investigate the Seller
Anyone can sell things online, so it is a good habit to check out the online seller before you make a purchase. Make sure the Web site gives the business’ name, mailing address (more than a post office box) and telephone number. Are you familiar with the seller’s merchandise or services? Can you tell exactly what you’re getting based on the site’s description or pictures?
Also, do you understand all costs (including price, shipping, and taxes), delivery time, warranty information, and the return policy? Make sure the site has clear information about what you can do if you have problems with your purchase.
Check the Site’s Security
Only do business with companies that use secure server technology. This works with your Web browser to scramble your personal information—such as your credit card number—as as it travels over the Internet. If the site is secure, the “http” in the address bar at the top of your screen will change to “https” or “shttp” at the page where you are asked to type in payment information. Always check for this before entering your information. Don’t buy online if the site isn’t secure.
Read the Site's Privacy Policy
Understand how the seller will use your personal information. Many online stores will sell information about you to other companies. But, today, companies have to let you choose whether or not the company can share your information with others. Exercise your right to “opt out” if you don’t want the seller to pass to others information about you. If you don’t like the privacy policy, don’t deal with that retailer.
Choose Your Password Carefully
If you use a password to log on to your computer, choose a different one to make a purchase. Also, use an unpredictable combination of numbers, letters and symbols. Do not give your password to anyone who contacts you, including people who claim to be employees of online services or stores. Never use part or all of your Social Security number as a password.
Pay By Credit Card
Paying by credit card is the safest and quickest way to shop online. The federal Fair Credit Billing Act gives you the right to dispute credit card charges for goods or services that you never received, never ordered or that were misrepresented to you. So, if you have a problem with your purchase, you may be able to withhold payment while your credit card company investigates the problem.
Also, if a thief has used your credit card, you are usually responsible for only the first $50 in charges. For additional security, you can ask your credit card company about getting a “single-use” credit card number that allows you to buy online using a temporary card number.
Keep a Record
Be sure to print and file a copy of your order and confirmation number in case you have a problem with your purchase. Keep a written record of shipping and handling costs as well as the amount of the item(s). By law, online businesses must deliver merchandise within 30 days of purchase or notify you if there will be a delay.
Better Safe Than Sorry
In case you’re tempted to think that safety precautions aren’t all that important when you make purchases on the Internet, consider this: The Federal Trade Commission receive 221,226 Internet fraud complaints in 2007. If you value your hard earned cash and your privacy, it pays for you to take safety precautions when you buy online.
Take Action
The following government agencies and private organization Web sites contain information on complaining about an online merchant:
Find practical information on surfing the Internet anonymously, sending secure e-mail, and getting an unpredictable password from The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC.)
Check out all information on Internet safety at the Federal Trade Commission's Web site, Onguard Online.
preview