12 Online Shopping Tips

As consumers continue their holiday shopping online in search of great deals, the Department of Consumer Protection is offering reminders to help keep themselves, their wallets, and their information safe.

“The Department of Consumer Protection received dozens of consumer complaints in the past 12 months regarding Internet sales, and while people are generally more comfortable and careful about shopping online, a certain amount of caution is still very much needed,” Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said in a prepared release. “As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Here are 12 tips to keep in mind.

• Know who you're dealing with.  Deal with well-known online sellers as much as you can. If you’re trying out a retailer you are unfamiliar with, at least confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number before you buy. It comes in handy if you have questions or problems later.

• Know what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product and (even though it can be painful), the fine print.
  

• Check out the terms and conditions. Can you return the item for a refund if you're not satisfied? Who pays the shipping costs? Is there a restocking fee?  Print and save records of your online transactions, including all emails to and from the seller.

• Buy gift cards ONLY from sources you know and trust. Don’t buy cards from online auction sites -- the cards could be fakes.

• Be stingy with your personal information, and use only secure sites. Don't email your credit card number, account number, or other financial information. Email isn't a secure way to transmit numbers.

• Don't give out your credit card or other financial information in exchange for an unsolicited “free” or “sale” offer of the newest tech gadget, a gift card, a seasonal job or a holiday vacation rental.