Internet Safety
Protecting Your Financial Transactions
Safe online shopping
Online shopping is a convenient way to shop, giving you access to products that may not be available to you locally. However, as with any online financial transaction there is the potential for fraud. When using a shopping site, you should practice the normal safety precautions that include making sure a site is secure, carefully reading the terms of use, and utilizing your security programs.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn some safety tips for shopping online.
Research the Company or Seller
Anyone can set up a shop online, so it is important to research a company or seller before buying from them.
Make sure the business has a legitimate physical address and phone number you can contact if there is a problem.
Also, check for reviews and online reputation from Google or other sites.
Understand the Terms and Costs
If you are unfamiliar with a product, you may want to compare prices with another site or seller.
Remember to add shipping and handling to the total cost of your order. You should find out the delivery method and time frame. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires sellers to ship items as promised or within 30 days.
Also, check the refund policy and find out who pays for shipping costs or restocking fees, if you need to return an item.
Pay with a Credit Card
Always use a credit card to pay for items online and never use your debit card. If you use a credit card, you are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, and can dispute charges and withhold payment during a creditor investigation.
It would also be wise to find out how your credit card provider helps protect your account.
A safe alternative to paying with a credit card is a service called PayPal. Several reputable sites allow this as a form of payment (for example, eBay, Etsy, and more). PayPal is acceptable because it offers many of the same protections as your credit card. To learn more, visit PayPal.com.
Closely Examine the Product
Items are not always as they appear online. It is important to read descriptions and closely examine a product, especially for size.
Items may not be in good condition if they are listed with words like "close-out," "refurbished" or "vintage."
Also, be suspicious if a price sounds too good to be true, as the product could be a fake or in faulty condition.
Enjoy Your Purchase!
As soon as you receive your item, check to make sure you are satisfied with it. If so, enjoy your purchase.
If you are not satisfied, then you will want to take quick action to return the item.
If the product does not arrive, contact the seller or follow up with your credit card company to stop payment.
Save and Print a Record of the Transaction
Always save and print records of your online transactions, which should include the receipt, order number, product description and price.
You will also want to save any email you send or receive from a seller, especially if there is a problem.
In addition, it would be wise to carefully read your credit card statements to make sure there are no unauthorized charges.
