Avoid pitfalls when shopping online

LITTLE ROCK -- The convenience of shopping online is an added benefit to the advances of the digital age. Unlike physical retail establishments, online stores do not operate under traditional hours of operation, allowing unlimited access to consumer goods and services. But with the expediency of buying items from the Internet comes potential security risks that even the most vigilant shopper can incur.

While online shopping is a modern convenience that most of us utilize regularly and without incident, there are pitfalls of which Arkansans need to be aware. Accordingly, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel issued this alert to help consumers shop safely online.

"Consumers should know there are certain risks to shopping on the Internet," McDaniel said. "Secure online shopping protects your personal and financial information and consumers need to take extra precautions to ensure they get in reality what they pay for in cyberspace."

By following these basic guidelines to secure online shopping, consumers can be reasonably certain their personal information will be safe:

*Check the privacy policy. Each site that aggregates information should post a policy informing consumers what personal information is being collected, why it is being gathered and to what end it will be utilized. If you cannot find a privacy policy, or do not feel comfortable with the terms presented, consider taking your business to another site.

* Shop with someone you know. While independent websites and private sellers sometimes offer deeply-discounted prices, they hold a higher risk of compromising private information. If you choose an unknown merchant or website, verify the company's legitimacy before you make a purchase. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.

*Double-check pricing. Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies as well as the other terms, factoring in additional costs that you may incur. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item, particularly if you're bidding through an auction site. You should comparison shop, online or offline, before you buy. Keep in mind that if service after the sale is important to you, you may wish to buy from sellers who maintain a physical location in your community.

* Print and save records of your online transactions. Keep copies of conditions, warranties, company information, product description and price, online receipts and copies of confirming e-mails and save them with your records. Read your credit card statements as you receive them and be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.

* Look for plural URL. Before entering your financial information, look for indicators that the site is secure. At check-out, consumers should look for a browser's status bar or website URL to change from "http" to "https." A closed padlock or key should also appear on the page, letting you know your information will be encrypted or scrambled. If you don't see these security icons or a change in the URL, log out and shop elsewhere.

For more information on other consumer matters, contact the Public Protection Department of the Attorney General's Office at (800) 482-8982 or visit the website at www.ArkansasAg.gov.