Internet Shopping Safety
Shopping online will require you to reveal certain personal and financial information in order to complete a transaction. However, it is important to exercise caution when providing this information to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands and lead to fraud or identity theft.
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Legitimate Businesses Only
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Be sure the business from which you are making the online purchase is legitimate. Check to see if they have a mailing address, preferably in the U.S., and utilize consumer forums and rating sites to gauge their reputation before you make a purchase.
Pop Up Screens
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Never enter personal information into a pop up screen. This is a tactic used by identity thieves to attain information illegally. Any legitimate online business will not use pop ups in any of their transactions.
Credit Cards
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Using credit cards as opposed to electronic checks or bank transfers is the safest way to shop online. Credit cards provide a clear record of the transaction; you will be able to report any unauthorized activity, and many credit cards offer "zero liability" policies, so you will not be responsible for fraudulent charges.
Internet Browser
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When using Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers, a small padlock logo will appear in the URL address bar when you are accessing a secure site. Always look for this padlock, and always use an updated browser with this type of security function.
Laws
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When a product is purchased online and is not delivered within 30 days, this may be an indication that it was purchased from a fraudulent company. A buyer is eligible by law to request a refund if products are not delivered in this time frame.
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