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It's a scary world online with plenty of people willing to take your money and run. Don't wanna get ripped off? Then check out our Top Online Shopping Tips for playing it safe:
- Pay by credit card. They provide a record of your transaction, and if you're not satisfied with a product or service that you purchased, your credit card issuer may be able to help you. Additionally, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. If your credit card information is used fraudulently, you're responsible for at most $50. However, with most credit cards you probably won't be liable for anything at all. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have these zero liability policies.
- Never send cash. Anyone could just rip open that envelope and grab your dough. If you can't use a credit card, try a money order or personal check which can be traced. PayPal is a good alternative when available.
- Only use secure sites. If there's a small locked padlock or an unbroken key icon at the bottom of your screen, then the site's secure. Only you and the store will be able to see your information.
- Check ratings and reputations. Sites like Gomez.com and BizRate.com provide ratings and reviews on hundreds of online stores.
- Avoid stores you don't trust. If a site fails to provide a mailing address, phone number or other contact information, or does anything else that makes you suspicious - spend your money elsewhere.
- Check the return and refund policy before you buy. How much time do you have to return a product? Who pays when you send back a defective product? Is there a restocking fee? Learn the answers to these questions before you buy.
- Always print out confirmations. Whether it's an e-mail or a Web page, print out your order's results and save it as a receipt.
- Never send credit card info via e-mail. Normal e-mail is not secure.
- Read privacy policies. If you can't find the policy or are uncomfortable with it, you may want to shop elsewhere.
- Ask first. If you're unclear about anything -- from delivery costs to warranties to item condition -- go ahead and e-mail the site your question or give them a call. If you're unsatisfied with the answer, take your business somewhere else.
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