Safety Tips
== Shopping Online ==
Internet Shopping as become the norm these days. Many households now have computers, and make some form of purchase on the internet.
== But, is it safe? ==
Most companies have privacy statements, stating that they are hacker proof, and some even go as far as adding extra security features, to ensure consumer safety.
Major and small E-tailers, like Buy.com,Newegg.com,Ajgiftz.com and others have implemented [SSL] Certificate which provide encrypted segments of network connections from end-to-end.
Payment gateways such as Paypal and Google spends millions of dollars to ensure that their systems are safe.
Internet Shopping is as safe as going into the store, and keeps getting better.
==Before you select a store==
Do a background check. Look for a physical address (not a Post Office box), request a catalog by mail, or call and talk to a company representative.
==Explore the Web site for third-party seals of approval such as:
BBBOnLine (Better Business Bureau Online)
or
TRUSTe
Companies can put these seals on their sites if they abide by a set of rigorous standards-such as how complaints and disputes will be resolved and how personal information can be used. If you don’t readily see these seals on the site, look in the privacy policy or “Terms & Conditions” which should be clearly posted on the site.
Tip: If you do see the seals above, click them to make sure they link to the organization that created them. Some unscrupulous merchants will put these logos on their sites without permission, and they’re less likely to get caught if they don’t link back to the site.
==Find out what other shoppers have to say about an online store on comparison sites such as Epinions or Bizrate. These sites have customer evaluations built into their design with a number of smiley faces or stars.
==Review their shipping methods and policies to determine what carriers they use, their shipping rates, and if they provide tracking and insurance. Also find out where they ship from-goods are sometimes sent from international locations, which require customs and extra time.