Safe Online Shopping

A note about the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this act, your bank limits your total loss and cannot hold you liable for more than fifty dollars of reported fraudulent charges. In the event your card is used in a fraudulent manner, you must notify your bank or card issuer immediately and in accordance with its reporting rules and procedures. We encourage you to feel comfortable using your credit card or checks to conduct commerce on the stores and shops listed on Top Ranked.

The following quote is from the Federal Trade Commission. "Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. For example, the Internet is always open - seven days a week, 24 hours a day. And, bargains can be numerous online. Shopping on the Internet is no less safe than shopping in a store or by mail."

Use a secure browser.
This is the software you use to navigate the Internet. Your browser should comply with industry security standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). These standards scramble the purchase information you send over the Internet, helping to secure your transaction. Look for a picture of a lock in the lower conner of your browser. If you are not on a secure site, do not give out any information you do not want the world to know.

Shop with companies you know or Ranked Sites.
Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. If you're not familiar with a merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Also, determine the company's refund and return policies before you place your order. These should be posted on the company's Web site.

Keep your password(s) private.
Be creative when you establish a password, and never give it to anyone. Avoid using a telephone number, birth date, or a portion of your Social Security number. Instead, use a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols.

Pay by credit or charge card.
If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, consumers have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you are generally held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some companies offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some cards may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.

Keep a record.
Be sure to print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records. Also, you should know that the federal Mail/Telephone Order Merchandise Rule covers online orders. This means that unless stated otherwise, merchandise must be delivered within 30 days; and if there are delays, the company must notify you.

Privacy on the Internet
Technology now provides companies with the ability to collect information about you and potentially give that information to others. While the Internet can serve as a tremendous resource for information, products and services, you should be sure to safeguard your privacy online by following these tips.

Keep your personal information private.
Don't disclose personal information--such as your address, telephone number, Social Security number or e-mail address--unless you know who's collecting the information, why they're collecting it and how they'll use it. If you have children, teach them to check with you before giving out personal --or family-- information online.

Look for a company's online privacy policy.
Many companies with privacy practices post their privacy policy on their Web site. This policy should disclose what information is being collected on the Web site and how that information is being used. Before you provide a company with personal information, check its privacy policy. If you can't find a policy, send an e-mail or written message to the Web site to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the site. Deal only with sites, stores and shops that have an online published privacy and security policy.

Make choices.
Many companies give you a choice on their Web site as to whether and how your personal information is used. These companies allow you to decline--or "opt-out" of--having personal information, such as your e-mail address, used for marketing purposes or shared with other companies. Look for this choice as part of the company's privacy policy. If a site, store, or shop, does not make a matter of fact statement that they do not sell personal information, or all you to "opt-out" to have your personal information shared with other companies, do not do business with them.

File A Complaint

If you feel you have a complaint concerning an American web site or online shop or store, you may contact Federal Trade Commission on line and file a complaint. You may also contact the Better Business Bureau online to file a complaint.

If you feel you have a complaint concerning a web site or online shop or store outside America, you may contact Federal Trade Commission Econsumer on line and file a complaint.