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Safe Internet Shopping
 any
people are very reluctant to join the masses in the online
shopping craze. The reason? Safety concerns.
Despite
what many people may believe, shopping online can be safe,
convenient and cost-effective, as long as you do one thing: use
your common sense! Instead of driving from store to store in bad
weather, you can shop any time that is convenient for you, 24
hours a day, seven days a week.
In
addition, shopping on the internet offers further advantages for
those whose sizes are hard to find, those who live in isolated
areas far from the nearest shopping center, and for those who
prefer styles and items not readily available in local shops.
Many
of us who get discouraged when we cannot find the styles, sizes,
colors or variety that we want in clothing and accessories can
turn to the Internet and after a few searches, can usually find
what we are looking for. For those of us who simply do not enjoy
the shopping experience, it makes the ordeal more pleasant.
Finding Sites
Running
a search for a particular item is fairly simple to do on your
computer. People who are not familiar with the search function
will find it easy to learn. In the search box of your browser,
type a phrase describing what you are seeking. To find
swimsuits, enter words such as ‘plus size swimsuits’ and
your search engine will show you the choices it found, from a
few to hundreds of sites! You have only to click on the various
sites until you find what you are looking for.
Compare prices from different sites that carry the same or
similar products. There are sites such as http://www.MySimon.com
that will search the web and find prices for identical items on
different websites.
Most clothing sites have size charts. Measure yourself and
use the size charts to determine your size at a particular site.
Carefully read about the item you are interested in. Note that
the size chart on the site may be extensive however all items
may not be available in all sizes shown on the size chart. Pay
attention to any notations about an item including availability,
restrictions, colors, sizes, etc. Do not assume that a swimsuit
shown with a cover-up is a set with one single price. Double
check to make sure.
Compare shipping and handling charges, especially if the
website is based outside the country. Stores based in your own
state will charge sales tax if your state has one. Be aware that
ordering from outside your own borders can add duty fees to your
order.
Use sites recommended and proven safe by friends and
family. If you have done business with a store or a website, you
may well want to continue using that company and even recommend
it to others. Always note or print the name of the company,
street address, email address and telephone number. Read
everything available about the business on the website.
Pay close attention to their privacy policy. Be cautious
about the personal information you include.
Security
Your
safest option is to order from secure sites. A ‘secure’ website can be
identified by an icon on your screen that looks like this: 
Most secure websites will indicate this information
somewhere on their homepage or on their policy pages. The lock
icon will appear on the page on which you enter your personal
and financial information. Some web addresses will show as
https: instead of http:. Your information will be encrypted so
that only the company receiving the information can unscramble
it. It can then process your order. Always restrict your
financial information to secure sites.
Record
Always
keep a record of the transaction by printing a copy of your
order, especially if it includes special orders such as
monogramming. Make sure it includes the date of the order, total
amount of the order and any confirmation number issued by the
company. It is also a good idea to print out and read the refund
and exchange policy and to make sure you understand it.
Payment
If
you don’t have or don’t wish to use a credit card or bank
card, register with PayPal. The seller uses it as a fraud
checking service and for the buyer; it provides an instant
payment service.
Many
websites will allow you to mail a money order or check. Once
your check has cleared your bank your order will be placed.
We
have all heard of credit card carbons being stolen from a
store’s trash. This can’t happen on the Internet. You are
also protected from an unscrupulous store clerk using your
credit card numbers illegally. Shopping on a secure website with
a credit card is likely safer than shopping in your local
department store.
Shipping
Before
ordering, acquaint yourself with the company’s shipping and
receipt dates. The shipping date will tell you how long the
company may take to ready your order for shipment. The receipt
date will tell you how long it takes for the order to be
delivered to you. Note the shipment method the company will be
using, such as the Post Office or UPS.
Canceling
Your Order
You
usually have at least 7 days to cancel an order and request a
refund. This seems to be universal but it is suggested that you
take the time to think before you place an order to avoid
confusion and added problems for yourself and the website.
General
Always
check your credit card statement carefully and report any
transaction that does not match your purchases.
If
you have a problem with your order, contact the seller
immediately. If the problem is not resolved in a timely manner,
contact the credit card company and the local Better Business
Bureau.
If
you believe that a website is at all fraudulent, contact the
Internet Fraud Complaint Center at http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/cf1.asp
or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer
Protection at https://rn.ftc.gov/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01
By
following these tips and guidelines you should be able to have
safe shopping experiences on the Internet. 
Internet
Fraud Watch Information
1-800-876-7060
2000
Internet Fraud Statistics
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