Should you trust that online store?
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No more crowds. No more "Sorry, We're Closed" signs. No need to find the perfect parking space. When you buy goods online you can relax and shop on your schedule. You might even find a few discounts you won't get in a brick-and-mortar store. Still, you want to make sure you buy from a business you can count on to deliver the goods. If you don't know the business by reputation—a trusted brand or bricks-and-mortar store, for example—do a little research first.
On This Page
 | Before you select a store |
| Before you enter your credit card number |
| Trust your instincts |
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
Companies can put these seals on their sites if they abide by 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 on 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. |
Before you enter your credit card number
So, you've found the perfect item at the perfect price and you're ready the purchase. Before you enter your credit card number, make sure the store you've chosen abides by these rules.
| • | The company should only require personal information that's necessary to complete the purchase. You will probably enter your credit card number, address, and telephone number. Be wary if they ask for other information such as your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or your mother's maiden name. Note: Some reputable companies may ask you what your interests are and ask you check certain boxes. This information should not be required to complete a purchase. |
| • | The Web site should use secure technology. When you get to the screen where you enter your credit card number or other personal information, make sure the Web address begins with https (for example, https://www.tailspintoys.com/) and check to see if a tiny locked padlock appears at the bottom right of the screen, as shown in the following image. |
Example of a Web site using https in the address and a secure site lock icon
Trust your instincts
If a site matches all the criteria above, then there's a good chance that the site is both legitimate and reliable. But as with most things online or off, if you have a bad sense about a store, skip it and shop somewhere else.
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