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Tips For Online Shopping Safety

As you select computer equipment and Cheap Refurbished Laptops from the various stores we list, we want you to be aware of the following online consumer shopping tips provided by the Department of Consumer Services:

Know the store's return and exchange policy - Look for the seller's return or exchange policy. If it is not on their web page, use the site's e-mail or other interactive program to ask for their policy before making a purchase. If the policy is not to your liking, you may want to shop around.

Be familiar with the retailer - It is always best to deal with businesses that you know -- either through past experience or by reputation. If you are shopping on an auction site, check the feedback areas where customers detail their past experience with a seller before you do business with them.

Document your purchases - Electronically save or print out everything involving your purchase. Ensure that the seller itemizes the total cost including tax and fees. Request a written confirmation before finalizing the order. Also, save your credit card statements in case of a problem.

Pay only by credit card - Credit card use offers numerous consumer protections in the event a problem arises. If you do not receive the merchandise you purchased, contact your credit card company and ask that they stop payment. Federal law also limits your liability in the event unauthorized charges are made to your credit card account. Debit cards may seem like credit cards -- in terms of convenience -- but they do not offer the same anti-theft and anti-fraud protections.

Find out how the package is being sent - Be sure the item is in stock, how it will be shipped and when. Be sure you know about delivery or handling fees. Look for sellers that have an order tracking system and that use shipping services which can track your package online. Take note of the e-mail address or phone number that you an use if you have a question or need to check on your merchandise.

Inquire about the seller's cancellation policy - The web site should include a customer service or FAQ (frequently asked questions) section with details on how to cancel or "opt out" of an order. Most online retailers allow cancellations in an allotted time period. This information is helpful if the desired item is on back order and will not arrive before the holidays or if the total cost is more than you expected.

Check out the retailer's security safeguards - When making an online purchase, make sure that the retailer uses encryption or security technology to protect your credit card information. Indicators of security safeguards include a padlock or an unbroken key and are usually found in the corner of the web page.

Secure your privacy - Know what type of information a retailer is collecting about you, how it is used and who it will be shared with. Many retailers sell customer profiles to other retailers. Determine if you can refuse to allow your personal information to be sold to other businesses or marketers. Web pages that offer strong privacy safeguards will display the following seals; TRUSTe, BBBOnline, or WebTrust. Be wary of sellers that ask for personal information that is not relevant to making a purchase such as your Social Security number, the name of your bank or your account number.

For more information on buying goods safely online, visit SafeShopping.org.

PC Bargain Hunter is an online shopping site with articles on buying things online and many computer-related topics, plus guides to buying Cheap Refurbished Laptops.