SHOPPING ONLINE

Summer is here and many of you with access to the Internet will be seeking to take advantage of many the many sales that will occur during this time, especially on 4th of July weekend. The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) strongly advises you to pay attention to the following points before making any online purchases:

Know who you're dealing with
As with all purchase, consumers are advised to do some research into the company; visit its website, check its’ reputation with other websites such as the Better Business Bureau and ask friends and relatives what they know.

While online order only on a secure server.
This will be indicated by the site’s privacy policy. If there is no such policy move to another website. If you are using a credit card ensure that this information is encrypted, this will be indicated on the website.

Protect your privacy
Do not give more information than is required for the purchase, that is, name, addresses, telephone number, email address, password for the website, payment method – if credit card credit card number, and details of the purchase. Questions regarding your earnings, educational background etc are irrelevant.

Guard your online password

Pay the safest way.
In 2002 the National Consumer's League's Internet Fraud Watch Group received complaints totalling almost US$15 million, up from US$6 million in 2001. Most of these complaints were from people who used auctions. Next came general product complaints, for instance when a purchased item never arrives or fails to live up to its billing description.
Your choice of payment method may help you guard against scams. This is because how you pay for your purchases has implications for whether you'll get your money back if you run into problems. Credit Card payments are by far the most convenient and careful way to make purchases, as payments may be stopped in the event that something goes wrong. Fears that credit card numbers will be stolen can be easily put to rest as most credit card companies have policies, which limit or remove consumer liability for fraud.

Get all the details

• Check the refund and return policy
• Read the fine print.
• Look for hidden costs.
• Check delivery dates.
• Review warranties.

Shop Around

• Compare prices
• Check shipping and handling fees.
• Order early to allow adequate time for shipment and delivery.

Keep Good records

• Track your purchases.
• Keep receipts & website printouts.