•Check site's privacy policy, before you provide any personal financial information to a website. In particular, determine how information will be used or shared with others. Also check site's statements about security provided for your information. Some websites' disclosures are easier to find than others - look at bottom of home page, on order forms or in "About" or "FAQs" section of a site. If you're not comfortable with policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

•Read and understand refund and shipping policies of a website you visit, before you make your purchase. Look closely at disclosures about website's refund and shipping policies. Again, search through website for these disclosures.

•Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your personal information - your address, telephone number, bank account number or e-mail address - unless you know who's collecting information, why they're collecting it and how they'll use it.

•Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust, and only when and where it is appropriate - like an order form. Never give your password to anyone online, even your Internet service provider.

•Keep records of your online transactions and check your e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom you're doing business. Merchants may send you important information about your purchases.

•Review your monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.

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