How to Avoid Scams When Shopping Online

Doing your shopping online, whether for the holidays or for everyday purchases, is a great convenience and for many people it is their preferred shopping source. Unfortunately, though, before you buy from an online retailer you must take certain steps to ensure they are reliable sellers. Read this article to find out how to avoid scams when shopping online.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Research the company before purchasing. If you are not familiar with the company, you should check to ensure it is legitimate. Search the website for both a physical address and a contact number and look into the company's policies on delivery and returns. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to find any claims they may have against them.
2. Stay away from offers that are doubtful and suspicious. If it sounds too good, then it usually is. Also, refrain from doing business with unsolicited companies that have contacted you. These are two reasons to suspect a company may be fraudulent and to look elsewhere for the product or service.
3. Look for signs that the website is secure before purchasing. To do this, look for a closed padlock on the site that indicates that the site is a protected one. It is also a good idea to click on the padlock and check that the company information is accurate. Another way to make sure the website is safe is to check the URL address. The websites address should start with http, https or shttp.
4. Pay with a credit card. This payment option is the most secure method since you can dispute charges if the product is not received. Likewise, if any unauthorized charges appear on your credit card, then you can also dispute these charges and often not pay them.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your friends for any advice or any places where they have gotten great or terrible customer service.
• Having anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall programs on your computer will also serve as protection from scams.
• Keep any payment and order information until you have received the product or service. Whether it is an email confirmation or a print-screen of the final payment online, it will act as your documentation if case any problems arise.