If you’ve not shopped online before it might feel like a scary experience. But there are some steps you can take to feel better about your next online shopping trip.
Know Who The Seller Is
If I’m ordering from a new company…I try to check out reviews or search for any news stories about their reputation. I also like to know their physical address and phone number.
Using a credit card makes it safer
When you use your credit card to pay you have the legal right to dispute charges made to your card. This applies to items that have not been received or misrepresented, but also works for charges you did not authorize in the first place (the main reason checking your statement every month is so important).
Single-use and substitute credit card numbers
Check if your credit card company offers single-use or substitute card numbers meant specifically for online shopping. It allows you to use your credit card without exposing your real account number online. Not all credit card issuers offer this option, but it’s worth checking out if it will give you more peace of mind.
Keep good records
It’s always a good idea to print out or save a digital copy of your online order receipt. Make sure all of the information you need is on the page. I keep a special folder in my email program for online shopping and keep any emailed receipts in that folder until my transaction is complete, in addition to making digital copies of the receipts I see during the online order process.
The devil is in the details
Before you click that final “Submit Order” button, make sure you check all of the details. Check that the item description, know the delivery charge, the total cost, the delivery timeline, the return and refund policy and how customer service works.
Security checks
When you are on a retail page where you need to provide payment information make sure the address line changes from an “http” to a “https” or “shttp.” The addition of that “s” lets you know that the page is secure. Understand, too, how the seller will safeguard your personal information during the sale and after. Most sites have a link to that information. If you don’t see one…contact the seller for more information.
Happy, and safe shopping!
-reenie
2 comments:
Reenie,
Does it matter if you use a credit card, or is a debit/credit card safe as well?
Hi John-
My gut instinct said: "credit card always," but I wanted to do some quick research before saying that here. Turns out the gut was right. Here's the basic drill... if you use a credit card, you can dispute any false charges and not pay those charges while the dispute is investigated (though keep in mind, you may have some minor responsibility - check with your credit card issuer on their rules). With a debit card... an unscrupulous person can get into your bank account and clean it out before you even know what happened. Yes, we have good consumer protection laws in this country, and you'll most likely get that money back, but it might take time and that could wreak havoc with your bill-paying life. I advise that you use credit cards to keep your financial life as safe as possible!
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