How safe is it to shop online, really?
Many people only go window shopping on the Net, fearful that someone will grab their credit card number from cyberspace and have a field day at Tiffany’s. The reality is that shopping online is probably less risky than using your card at a local merchant. And shopping the virtual marketplace has distinct advantages: you don’t have to go out in bad weather, there’s no problem parking, and there are no pushy salespeople. But there is still a concern about security and who you are dealing with behind the screen. Most consumer fears are unfounded. Still, taking a few precautions will help you avoid cyberfraud. Shopping at stores that are well known, like L.L.Bean, is trouble-free. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of the company you want to do business with, ask for a printed brochure or catalog. Don’t deal with companies that only have a post office box number and no phone number. Be sure you know their return and refund policy. And if the price seems “too good to be true,” t
