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Safe Shopping Tips for 2006

by Thomas Campbell

Forget the mall! As you by now know, shopping online offers numerous benefits over traditional stores. There are no lines to wait in, no traffic, no pushy salespeople, and in most states no sales tax! However, there are some things that you should know because the internet does have inherent hidden dangers. Here are the 5 most important tips that should be followed by anyone wishing to shop online.

1. Always use a secure internet connection. Before entering your personal information, make sure that the website has the secure lock icon indicating a secure certificate. This will ensure that all of your information is encrypted over the Internet.

2. Use a credit card for payment instead of a debit card. By using a credit card, you are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act which will allow you to dispute any charges that your are unfamiliar with. This gives you the chance to reverse the transaction.

3. Do a search for reviews of the store by past customers. Keep in mind that most people don't leave reviews unless they have an unpleasant experience, but it will give you an idea of what to expect from the seller.

4. Print a copy of your purchase confirmation information. usually you will get a copy of the receipt emailed to you but you want to print the confirmation page in the event that the email never makes it to you. This receipt is your proof of purchase, keep it until you know you are satisfied with your purchase.

5. Inspect the merchandise upon receipt. Compare the item to what you ordered. If it took days to weeks to receive your purchase, refer back to the confirmation sheet. It is usually a good source to the original description of the item.

These steps, while simple, will protect you from a negative shopping experience on the internet. Happy Shopping!

Article courtesy of Save on Online Shopping
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