Protecting yourself from cyber-grinches 1. Know who you're dealing with. Check out the unfamiliar seller with the Better Business Bureau and your state and local consumer protection agency. If you're buying gifts from an online auction site that provides a feedback forum, check the track record of the seller before you bid.
2. Get all the details. Check the name and physical address of the seller; how much the product costs; what is included for that price; whether there are shipping charges; the delivery time; the seller's private policy; and the cancellation and return policy.
3. Look for signs that online purchases are secure. When you provide your payment information, the beginning of the Web site address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that information is being encrypted (turning into code that can be read only by the seller).
4. Pay the safest way. It's best to use a credit card, because you can dispute certain charges.
5. Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen. Legitimate companies don't ask for personal information through pop-up screens.
6. Keep documentation of your order. When you've completed the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page and/or you might receive confirmation by email. Print that information and keep it handy in case you need it later.
7. Know your rights. Federal law requires orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren't shipped on time, you can cancel and demand a refund. You also have the right to reject merchandise if it's defective or was misrepresented.
8. Be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your personal information. 9. Check your credit and bank statements carefully. Notify the bank immediately if there are unauthorized charges or debits, if you were charged more than you should have been or if there are any other problems.
10. Keep your computer secure for safe shopping and other online activities. Protect your computer with a firewall, spam filters and anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep them up to date. Go to www.staysafeonline.org and www.onguardonline.gov to learn more about how to keep your computer secure.
11. Beware of e-mails offering loans or credit. 12. Contact the seller promptly about any problems with your order. Check the company's Web site for a customer service page, "contact us" link, e-mail address or phone number to get your complaint addressed or questions answered. If you can't resolve the problem, contact the Better Business Bureau and/or your state or local consumer protection agency for help.
SOURCES: National Consumers League ( www.nclnet.org); National Cyber Security Alliance ( www.staysafeonline.org); Better Business Bureau ( www.bbb.org)
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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