Tips for shopping safe online
1. Compare prices. Similar items typically fall into a general price range. Scammers will try to entice victims to their websites with ridiculously low prices. Also, remember to account for shipping and handling in the cost of on-line purchases.
2. Research the seller. Anyone can set-up shop online. Confirm the online sellers physical address and phone number in case you have any problems or questions.
3. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Make sure you have installed the latest firewall and anti-virus software to protect your computer against online attacks.
4. Enter financial information only on secure sites. Do not e-mail financial information, like your credit card or checking account number. If you initiate a purchase on-line, look for indicators that the site is secure. Although no indicator is fool-proof, look for a lock icon on the browsers status bar, or a URL address that includes an s after http.
5. Dont send cash or wire money for payment. Do not wire money via Western Union or Money Gram for items purchased on-line; you maybe giving your money to scammers, and you may never get the item you ordered. Pay by credit or charge card.
6. Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of all your on-line transactions, including the product description, price, on-line receipt, and e-mails.
7. Review the refund policy and delivery rates. Look to see if you can return a product for a full refund if you are not satisfied. Check out who pays for the cost of shipping a returned item and is there a restocking fee for returning an item? For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, log on to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection website at; www.consumerprotection.utah.gov
1. Compare prices. Similar items typically fall into a general price range. Scammers will try to entice victims to their websites with ridiculously low prices. Also, remember to account for shipping and handling in the cost of on-line purchases.
2. Research the seller. Anyone can set-up shop online. Confirm the online sellers physical address and phone number in case you have any problems or questions.
3. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date. Make sure you have installed the latest firewall and anti-virus software to protect your computer against online attacks.
4. Enter financial information only on secure sites. Do not e-mail financial information, like your credit card or checking account number. If you initiate a purchase on-line, look for indicators that the site is secure. Although no indicator is fool-proof, look for a lock icon on the browsers status bar, or a URL address that includes an s after http.
5. Dont send cash or wire money for payment. Do not wire money via Western Union or Money Gram for items purchased on-line; you maybe giving your money to scammers, and you may never get the item you ordered. Pay by credit or charge card.
6. Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of all your on-line transactions, including the product description, price, on-line receipt, and e-mails.
7. Review the refund policy and delivery rates. Look to see if you can return a product for a full refund if you are not satisfied. Check out who pays for the cost of shipping a returned item and is there a restocking fee for returning an item? For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, log on to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection website at; www.consumerprotection.utah.gov
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