Do's and Don'ts for Shopping Online 

Are you considering shopping online to save some time?  Just how risky is online shopping?  Is it safe to give your credit card number online?  For more and more people, online shopping seems to present a strong mixture of pros and cons--convenience and choice on the one hand, but also risk or uncertainty.  Here are some tips to make your shopping experience smooth and safe. 

Shop reputable companies.  Avoid "E-tailers" that don't list an address or toll-free phone number for trouble shooting.  Get all details on shipping and handling fees, refund and return policies, warranty terms, and compliant procedures.  Read the vendor's privacy policy--you may wish to tell them not to trade or sell your information to others. 

Shop only at secure sites and protect your private information.  Do not give your credit card or personal information unless the page is "secure," which means the page uses encryption to protect your information.  How do you tell?  Secure pages begin with "https" instead of "http."  You also will see an icon of a closed padlock or unbroken key.  Do not put your credit or personal information in e-mails.  Enter it only on secure web pages.  If they ask for a password, do not use your regular log-on password.

Pay by credit card
If you pay by credit card, the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act gives you two important protections.  If you need to dispute a problem with the vendor, you generally may withhold payment while the dispute is resolved, and, if someone uses your credit card without authorization, the law limits your liability to $50.  (Check your credit card bill every month.)  Be suspicious of a vendor who asks for other personal information, such as your Social Security number or personal bank account information.  They should not need that information.

Keep good records
Sellers must ship within 30 days (unless they specify an earlier or later date).  If not, the seller must notify you and give you a chance to cancel your order and receive a full refund.  Print or save documentation about the seller, the product, and your order just in case there's a problem.

For more information and for links to other sites with tips about online shopping, go to www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.org.

At Hampton State Bank, we're working smarter for you!