Shop with merchants you know and trust

Deal with merchants you already know to ensure you’re doing business with a reputable company. Visit their Web sites and read their guarantees, warranties, and return policies. Don’t hesitate to contact the Better Business Bureau Online and other consumer agencies for information about specific merchants.

Read delivery/return policies and privacy statements

Before completing an online transaction, be sure to read the delivery and return policies on the merchant’s homepage. Check to see if you can return a purchase and whether you’ll get a refund or credit. Also take a look at privacy statements to see how your personal information will be used. The most reliable online merchants will always make this information easily available.

Take advantage of the benefits of Internet research

The power of the Internet allows you to search the world for everyday items and rare treasures. Shopping online can help you narrow choices and locate items that are out of stock at your local stores. Also, access to product reviews and other online information can enhance your knowledge and help you make a more informed buying decision. For example, on some music merchant sites, you can listen to songs online before buying a CD.

Save on shipping and handling and other costs

When calculating the final cost of a purchase, don’t forget shipping and handling charges. And if you’re doing business with a merchant located in another state or country, taxes and international costs may apply. Before you buy, check the merchant site for a description of what charges will apply to your purchase you may be able to save money by purchasing multiple items at once, or by identifying lower costs on a particular Web site.

Look for signs of security

There are several ways to tell if a merchant site is secure. Symbols such as an unbroken lock or key, a URL that begins https://, and the words Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) mean that no one but you and the merchant can view your payment information. Some merchants also ask you to create a personal account that requires a password to enter an order. This is a secure method as long as you always keep your password private; create passwords that are hard to figure out (avoiding numbers like your birth date, phone number, or social security number); and change your passwords often.

Never send your payment information by email

Information that travels over the Internet as regular electronic mail is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. All reputable merchant sites use encryption methods that will protect your private data from being read by others as you make an online transaction. If you choose to use your payment card online, make sure that you are using a secure browser, and always look for the merchant’s privacy policy and an explanation of how your personal information will be protected. Many reliable merchant sites will also allow you to pay by phone, fax, or mail.

Never provide your card number as proof of your age

At times, some merchants have requested you provide them your credit card number as a proof of age. Don’t do it! The card number does not validate an age.

Pay with your credit or stored value card

Using your stored value card or credit card is a safe way to pay online. And you’re protected in exactly the same way you are when you use your card at the store, order from a catalog by mail, or call in an order over the phone. Some credit card companies, like Visa, have a zero liability policy*. This means that if someone steals your card number while you’re shopping, online or off, you’re protected you pay nothing for fraudulent activity.

Keep a record of your transaction

Just as you save your receipts when shopping at the mall, you’ll want to keep a record of your Internet purchases. Back up your transactions by saving and/or printing the online confirmation of your order. These records are just like the receipts you keep when shopping in stores.

Use common sense, take your time, and have fun

As you explore the world of online shopping, don’t underestimate your common sense. Take your time, have fun, and know that while good bargains exist on the Internet, some offers may be too good to be true. There are many good products available over the Internet from respected merchants, so if you’re uncertain about a particular site, there are always other places to shop online.