Online Holiday Shopping Tips
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(pg. 2)
- Know what you are buying. It is very difficult to know exactly what you are buying by looking at a picture posted at a web site. If you know the specifications of your intended purchase, confirm that is what you are buying.
- Determine whether you are buying from a secure web site. When you are relaying information over the internet, there are many possible places where information might be intercepted. As such you should only buy only from online vendors who use a secure server, which means that information that you convey over the net will be encrypted. To determine whether you are on a secure server, look for an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom of the browser window. If you do not want to send your credit card information over an unsecure server then see if you can send such information by fax instead.
- Protect your privacy. Only provide personal information that is necessary to complete the purchase. Social Security numbers and personal bank account information are never required to complete a purchase. Determine who is collecting the personal information, why, and how it's going to be used.
- Passwords. Some web sites might ask you to create an account with a password. In those situations, choose a password that is different than passwords you use for other accounts or sites. Never reveal your passwords or credit card information in response to unsolicited e-mails even if it is a request from your own internet service provider. This information should never be asked for.
- Report any scam. Finally, if you think you have been scammed, report the scam to our Complaint Centre and your local Better Business Bureau. You may also want to contact your local Enforcement Agency to assist you in investigating the scam.
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(pg. 2)