Avoiding Fraud Through Safe ShoppingOnline fraud is an increasing problem that can be avoided. Every year more and more people shop online, and every year seems to bring more ways to trick unsuspecting buyers. This report was written to help protect you as a consumer.
Following guidelines set in this report will protect you from most types of online fraud, and help you recover in event that you are taken advantage of.
------------------- Before You Buy ------------------- Before you buy anything online, review store’s refund policy. Make sure they will accept returns on defective or wrong items. Also, see how long return period is, usually, it is 30 days.
Review store’s privacy policy. You want to know that your information is being handled responsibly before giving it to anyone.
------------------- During Check Out ------------------- Plastic or plastic? During checkout process you will be given a few payment options. Of these, you will probably see credit or charge cards. As you know, if someone accepts credit cards, they also accept debit cards. Debit cards are not same when it comes to limiting your liability for fraudulent use. Debit cards are fine for most things, but not online purchasing.
Credit or charge cards are ideal way to pay online. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction is protected by Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while creditor is investigating disputed charges. In event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would only be held liable for $50 worth of charges.
Some credit companies even offer an online shopping guarantee that ensures you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges made online, and some may provide additional warranty, return and/or purchase protection benefits.