Financial Safety for Computer Shoppers

Shopping by computer appeals to many of us who have time constraints, want to avoid crowded stores and are interested in wider selections. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure financial safety online.

• Use a secure browser. This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. It should comply with industry security standards. These standards encrypt or scramble the personal and purchase information you send over the Internet, which ensures the security of your data. Most computers come with a browser already installed, so check your manufacturer’s handbook to verify that you do have one on your computer.
• Look for online privacy policies. Any company’s privacy policies should disclose what information is being collected on the site and how that information is being used. Before you provide a company with any personal information, check their written online privacy policy. If you can’t find one but the company looks interesting, send an email or written message to the website; ask about their policy and request it be posted on the site.
• Check if a company’s policies allow you to "opt out," which means that you decline to have your personal information, such as your email address, used or shared with other companies.
• Check out the company’s refund and return policies. Always determine any company’s online refund and return policies before placing any orders.
• Pay by credit or charge card. If you use a card online, your purchase will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act and you have some right to dispute charges and withhold payment while the creditor investigates. Some cards may also have additional warranty or purchase protection benefits.
• Place all online orders on the same card, for ease of record keeping and disputes.
• Keep a record of every transaction. Always print a copy of your purchase order and the confirmation number for your records. The federal Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule also covers orders made by Internet. Unless stated otherwise, merchandise must be delivered within 30 days and, if there are delays, the company must notify you and offer you options.

A good rule of thumb is to shop with companies you know from past experience. If you’ve dealt with them before by telephone and mail order, you can feel more confident about their online service. However, anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Be certain you are dealing with the genuine company site, not a closely named look-alike or clone that is hoping to cash in on a mistaken identity.

If you encounter a new company online that looks promising for the future, request a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise, services and policies.

After you have checked the security precautions of your computer and are comfortable with the privacy of information and return and refund policies of a company in which you are interested, let the shopping begin!