Smart Holiday Shopping Online

Going online to shop for the holidays this year? Some of us do it to avoid crowds, some to save gas, and some for the convenience of shopping at any time of day or night. Experts are predicting that consumers will spend more online this holiday season than ever.

While you may know about online shopping tips, also get to know tips for safer and smarter online shopping for holiday season:

Learn return policies

Despite your best intentions, some gifts may need to be returned or exchanged. Before you buy, read the return policy. Some retailers give customers extra time so gifts can be returned or exchanged after the holidays; others give purchasers as little as a week — if they accept returns at all. A number of retailers offer shorter return windows for certain products and some charge "restocking" fees.

Know what you're getting

Read the seller’s product description closely. Name-brand items at greatly reduced prices could be counterfeit.

Be Save from false email or pop-up

Legitimate companies don’t send unsolicited email messages asking for your password or login name, or your financial information. But scammers do. In fact, crooks often send emails that look just like they’re from legitimate companies — but direct you to click on a link, where they ask for your personal information. Delete these emails. They’re an attempt to get your information and to facilitate identity theft or other crimes. In addition, just clicking a link in a fraudulent email could install spyware on your computer.

Is a site is safe

When you’re ready to buy something from a seller you trust, look for signs that the site is secure — such as a closed padlock on the browser’s status bar — before you enter your personal and financial information. When you’re asked to provide payment information, the beginning of the website’s URL address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured.

How you’ll pay

Credit cards generally are a safe option because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what was ordered. Also, if your credit card number is stolen, you generally won’t be liable for more than $50 in charges. Don’t send cash or use a money-wiring service because you’ll have no recourse if something goes wrong.

Keep a paper trail.

Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of any email you exchange with the seller. Read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges.

Turn your computer off when you’re finished shopping

Many people leave their computers running 24/7, the dream scenario for scammers who want to install malicious software on your machine and then control it remotely to commit cyber crime. To be extra safe, switch off your computer when you are not using it.

Posted in: Smart Holiday Shopping Online