Shop safely online

If you are new to online shopping, start by educating yourself on this popular and convenient way to save money. Online shopping allows you to easily do comparison shopping and saves the headache of physically going to multiple stores to preview items you want or need, saving time and gas. By knowing the basics and how to shop safely online, this can be a very rewarding and cost saving activity - or at least know more about the product, in advance.

Top Shopping Tips: recognize the warning signs

#1 - Know your Merchant - shop from only trustworthy, secure merchants
#2 - Protect your Privacy - read the privacy policy and if you don't like what you read, don't buy.
#3 - Get the Details - keep detailed records of every purchase & check your statements every month.
#4 - Use a Credit Card and Safeguard Your Password - don't use your Debit cards because it doesn't have the same protection as credit cards when it comes to limiting your liability
#5 - Keep good records. Check your bank statement each month for unauthorized charges and notify your credit card company immediately of unauthorized charges.

Most of all, use common sense and some basic rules when shopping online. Read these great articles from About.com:

Nine Tips To Shop Safely Online,
Avoid Money Scams
Don't Be Phish Bait
Internet & online scams

Read article from Consumer Reports: Shopping Safely Online

Identity theft. Identity theft is big business and the statistics are quite alarming. Research and know how to prevent identity theft and credit card fraud

• Credit Card Fraud
• Preventing Identity Theft
• Define Identity Theft
• Identity Theft Statistics
• Identity Theft Facts
• Identity Theft Punishment
• How Safe Is Online Shopping?
• Consumer Reports

Learn more about online shopping.
Discover how online shopping started, how it's defined, how many people take advantage of online shopping and why. Know the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping, as well as how to comparison shop - online shopping, when done correctly is safe, fun, and beneficial.

• How to Shop Safely Online
• Tips for Shopping Online
• History of Online Shopping
• Definition of Online Shopping
• Advantages of Online Shopping
• How Many People Shop Online
• Why Do People Shop Online
• Online Shopping Guide
• How Does Online Shopping work
• Benefits of Online Shopping
• Advantage Online shopping
• Disadvantages of Online Shopping
• how to online comparison shop

 

How to file a complaint, learn more about Consumer Protection.

To file a complaint about a fraudulent business practice or to get free information on how to spot, stop, and avoid one, call the Federal Trade Commission, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) or visit www.ftc.gov and click on "Consumer Protection."

Search all Federal Trade Commission Alerts by searching: FTC Consumer Alerts