Online Shopping Safeguards - Get Great Deals While Avoiding Scams

By Lydia Quinn

While the Internet is a wonderful place to get deals and bargains, where coupon codes and rebate deals are easier to find than the offline world, there is also a dark side, where scammers are trying their best to get their hands on your hard earned money. Here are some ways to protect yourself while shopping online:

Use A Credit Card

Most credit card companies will protect you should you experience a problem with a purchase. Some of them even have special online shopping credit cards, where you can get a special one time use only credit card number for use at a certain store. These offer excellent protection if you're worried about the security of the website you are purchasing from. This way, the company can only charge the card once and then the number is unusable.

Check Order Form and Cart Security

You can visually see if the form or cart you are using is secure and the information you send to the merchant is properly encrypted by checking the bottom of your screen and looking for a key or lock. The lock should be closed to indicate a secured page. The key should be whole and not broken. Alternately, you can usually right click on the background of the page and select PROPERTIES, the window that pops up will tell you if the page is encrypted and secure. SSL technology is a standard for most merchants carts and forms, so look for "SSL Technology" as the connection.

Browser

To protect yourself from phishing, which are fake websites that entice you to enter your personal information, make sure to use the latest version of Internet Explorer. IE7 has built in anti-phishing technology which should help you discern a real site from a fake site.

Windows Update

Make sure to run Windows Update before shopping, so you download the latest security patches and updates. This will further enhance the security of your browser.

Beware Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are probably the worst thing about online shopping. With fuel costs still high and shipping companies constantly raising their prices, shipping costs are higher than ever. Save on shipping costs by taking advantage of posted flat rate shipping deals and free shipping coupon codes. You can also sometimes save money by choosing to buy from online stores that are closer to you. Let's say you shop on eBay for an XBOX and two sellers offer the XBOX at a price you like. One seller is located in Florida, the other in Arizona. You live in California. Obviously, the shipping will be much less to ship the item to you from Arizona than from Florida. This works only for sellers who offer actual shipping costs to your zip code, however.

Read Return Policies

Before you make a purchase, be sure to read the return policy. Some online merchants have terrible return policies. Let's say you buy a computer monitor from a merchant who offered the best price, but it was a lesser known merchant. Once the UPS man brings it and you discover it doesn't work, you check out the return policy only to find out that you must pay to ship the item back, you must pay a 25% re-stocking fee and you won't receive your refund until another 30 days pass after that. It's not pleasant to find out the return policy is like this only after you find you need to return something! Always read the return policy before making your purchase!

Beware Fake Sites

It comes as no surprise that there are many completely fake stores out there that look perfectly professional and legitimate. One excellent way to tell if a store is fake, is if the prices are too good to be true. I once came upon a site that offered PSP's for $99 and XBOX 360's for $129. These are prices lower than anywhere else on the net. Why could this merchant offer these items at such low prices? The answer was that they don't! They take your money but you never get the product. I was suspicious of their pricing, it just seemed to good to be true, and it was. I also typed in the name of the website into Google and low and behold, it came up on a scam site list! If you're suspicious of the pricing, check Google. If you're still suspicious, don't buy! A legitimate company will also have a phone number and address posted on their site where you can contact them and make sure they are not a Russian phishing site.

Print Your Order

Be sure to print your order form and keep all your receipts in your email box. Don't delete or throw away anything. You will need the receipts for returns, rebates and even your taxes. Keep your receipts!

Using these tips, you should have a much better online shopping experience and a safer one too.

Lydia Quinn writes for The Best Bargains Online, a website that features articles, resources and listings for finding the best bargains online. Visit us at: http://www.thebestbargainsonline.com/

Smart Shopping Online

By Angela Linton

Online shopping has been steadily increasing in its popularity. The numerous advantages that come with shopping online are due to this steady trend. Nevertheless, with identity thief out there, we have to do everything that is within our power to protect ourselves from unscrupulous persons.

There are several things that we can do to protect ourselves while shopping on the World Wide Web (www). Below are just a few of these things.

Computer Protection

Make sure that your computer is protected against computer viruses and that it is equipped with antispyware software. What are Viruses? Viruses are programs that disrupt the proper functioning of a computer system. In many cases they can completely shut down your computer. What are Spywares? A spyware is software whose main function is to gather personal information about individuals through the Internet. Information such as credit cards numbers.

Scepticism

You know, many a time in our lives having a sceptical eye would have saved us from damaging consequences. Therefore, walk with that scepticism as you carefully search the shopping web sites that you are interested in. Search for things such as the “company’s” privacy policy, shipping polices and so on.

Secure Sites

Always make sure that the site you are shopping at is a secure site. A secure site means that the web site operators and to a greater extent the owners have taken several steps to make sure that their web site is protected from hackers. A locked padlock at the bottom of the web page is an indication of the site’s protection. Also, look for the “S” in http://, not just http://. The “S” stands for secure.

Record Keeping

Print out the confirmation page that will appear after you have completed your transaction. You can also save it onto a disc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Linton

Home Shopping Money-Saver Ideas for Buying Electronics and Other Products

By Chris Robertson

Shopping today has become easier than ever. We can do it from the comfort of our own homes and still find the best bargains. Whether looking for one item or many, home shopping makes the experience comfortable and less stressful.

Home Shopping Benefits

Home shopping gives you a chance to browse and compare prices without the inconvenience of making special trips to the malls and stores. In some areas, this is a major undertaking. City traffic can be just as time-consuming as a trip to town from a rural area.

Look For Bargains

There are some practical ideas to help you find the best money-saving deals. First of all, make a list of gifts to buy and a price that is within your budget. Start shopping early so you'll have time to find the best prices. If you are buying for yourself, home shopping lets you shop at your leisure.

There are unlimited websites to find products that you might be looking for. For the men, find sites that offer electronics, automotive, sports and other hobby interests. Ladies might want to look for lingerie, jewelry, household items, supplies for pets, leather or fur garments. Children would enjoy toys and sports equipment or novelties. You can even shop for the latest DVDs and LCD TVs. There are also sites that offer accessories for electronics that you already have.

Save Money

When you are home shopping, it is important to be sure of the product you are interested in buying. Make sure there is a picture or a detailed description so you will know what you are getting. Look at different online catalogs to compare products.

When home shopping look for coupon sites that offer information on online stores that have special deals and promotions. You might be able to get free shipping or a percentage discount. Some web stores offer free shipping on your second order. It is a good idea to calculate shipping before purchasing anything because that will be part of the expense of the product. Shop around other sites to find the best overall price.

Save All Year Long

By home shopping all year long, you may find specials that will save a significant amount on specific items. Whether the gift is for Christmas, a birthday, or a treat for you, it's worth it to get a good deal at an off-season price. After the holidays is the best time to buy seasonal gifts. Electronics that have been available for a while will often be offered at a discount or clearance price.

Enjoy Shopping

Finding popular products for gifts and for yourself doesn't have to be a dreaded chore. Make home shopping a satisfying adventure and save money on the products you really want.

Buying Shoes Online by Jena Luthovski

Buying shoes online is always a matter of concern for most people. Shoes have an important role to play either for normal people or for athletes. They have a definite function to perform. It is to provide cushion and comfort to the feet and protect them from unwarranted injuries. For some other people, shoes must also look stylish. With so many functions to perform, a person must be sure that he has selected the right shoe which can meet his requirements.

People have started shopping online for different products these days. There are website on the internet selling a wide range of goods. When online sales started, people were unconvinced about giving their credit card number and personal information to the websites selling the products, fearing that their information would be divulged or sold by these websites. However, in the recent days, which more internet privacy laws being put in place and with the websites also making their transactions more secure, all those fears have been allayed.

People today prefer to shop online than to shop at a local store. There is a justification for this. By shopping online, people can save more money than by shopping at a local store. Another reason is that there are a wide range of products and different models of each product available on the internet. This gives more options to the public regarding which item to purchase. Online stores contain even those items which might not be available at the local stores.

However, there is one difference between shopping for shoes and shopping for other items on the internet. Shoes are available in different models and each of these models may vary in size from one another. Then how would one know if the shoe he has selected fits him or not.

Before shopping for shoes online, a person should know which type of shoes would look better on him. Also make use of the size chart that the websites provide. A size chart is one which lets you compare the size of your shoe brand to the sizes in other brand shoes. By knowing the comparison, you will know what number shoe of another brand will fit you correctly.

Also check if the websites from which you are going to purchase your shoes allow for returning and replacement of shoes. It should not be like the shoes don't fit you, but still you are stuck with them as the website won't replace them.

Dell Deals - Shop Online by Taisha Grant

When in the market for a new computer or computer accessory, many people go to their local office supply, electronic or computer store. However, high pressure sales tactics can sometimes confuse the consumer and make them spend a lot more than what they intended to at the onset. Dell Computers has a way to get around that with their online shopping options. No longer will you be subjected to pushy sales people trying to make a bigger commission. Instead you can browse through computer choices at your leisure, get information about packages and have your computer built for you exactly per your requirements. You no longer need to buy more than you need or less.

Dell Computers has a wide selection of computers and computer accessories available. You can purchase desktop computers for your home or office at the click of a mouse. You can choose your base model and then add whatever programs or features you want before finalizing your sale. If notebooks or laptop computers are what you are in the market for, try one of theirs. Just as with desktop models, you can get exactly the hardware and software specifications you need and they will build it for you exactly as formatted. In addition to computers, Dell also has a wide range of servers for business applications, printers, televisions and various accessories.

Shopping at Dell is easy, convenient and secure. You will get you products shipped to you quickly and it will be exactly as you requested them. There are warranties on all their products to ensure the consumer is pleased with the final purchase. If there are problems with the order or if you need technical assistance, Dell customer service is there to help you twenty four hours per day, seven days per week. You never need to worry about your products use because Dell is there to assist you.

Dell is ideal for home users who need a new computer for personal use or school. However, Dell is also a great way for businesses to purchase their computers and computer supplies. No longer does someone need to take time out of the day to run to the office supply store or computer store for a new desktop. Instead the specifications for the computer systems are saved and a shipment will be made within a few days to the office. This is ideal for businesses that get new employees or upgrade their existing systems. Shop Dell for convenience and good customer service.

10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online

By Steve Robson

The Internet can be a dangerous place.


While you're enjoying the convenience of online shopping, Internet banking and subscription websites, nasty people lurk around every corner.


Hackers, fraudsters, identity thieves and many others would love to get hold of your personal details.


And what stands between you and a security disaster?


Your password.


Just 8 little characters long, it's your last line of defense online. Here are 10 tips for choosing and using bullet-proof passwords that will protect you from harm:


Tip 1 - Avoid the obvious


Passwords based on personal details are too easy to guess. Avoid using names, places, favorite sports teams, or "password".


Tip 2 - Make it non-dictionary


One option a thief might try to crack your password is a brute-force dictionary attack. Choose something that you won't find in any dictionary.


Tip 3 - Use the full 8 characters


The more characters a password contains the more secure it becomes, so fill that password field to the max.


Tip 4 - Mix the case


Deter thieves further by using a combination of upper and lower-case letters. A mIXeD cAsE password adds another layer of protection and is ever harder to guess.


Tip 5 - Include non-alphabetic characters


Adding numbers and non-alphabetic characters (like a hyphen) to your password makes it less likely to be cracked than something purely alphabetic.


Tip 6 - Don't write it down


This should be obvious but it's amazing how many scraps of paper surround the world's PCs.


Tip 7 - Assign a different password to each login id


If thieves get hold of your password, they'll try it in every online system available. Use a separate password at each website and you won't have all your eggs in one basket.


Tip 8 - Employ a password manager


Remembering multiple secure passwords can be challenging. Specialist software like http://www.robo-form.com manages your passwords securely and automates the login process.


Tip 9 - Logout when you're done


Always hit the logout button when you've finished using a secure site like online banking.


Tip 10 - Close that browser


Web pages and passwords can be cached in the browser, so close down your browser window for added security.


Follow these simple common-sense tips and you'll enjoy greater online security while benefiting from the many advantages the Internet has brought