Shopping online is gathering new converts for many reasons, but most importantly ease of use.

Online buying also ensures that every time you give out your credit card number on the Internet, it could fraudulently used by someone to your detriment.

Here are a few tips adapted from credit-land.com on the things you need to look out for before shopping on the Internet with your credit card.

Research before you buy: The Web allows you to search the world for all kinds of things. Shopping online can help you sift and sort out items that are out of stock at your local stores.

And access to product reviews and other online information can enhance your knowledge and help you make more informed buying decisions.

For example, on some music sites, you can listen to songs online before buying a CD.

Deal with trusted Web sites/merchants: If you know who is behind the enterprises and shops you are likely to deal with, your online shopping experience can be more rewarding.

To help you find hundreds of top merchants, you can use popular shopping sites. You can also find out about a merchant by visiting their websites and reading their guarantees, warranties, and return policies.

Don't forget to read product return policies and delivery vehicles: Before completing an online transaction, be sure to read the delivery and return policies on the shop's website. Some online stores do not allow defective goods to be replaced.

Others expect you to return it to a physical store. Check whether a shopper can return a purchase and whether a refund or credit is being offered.

Also take a look at privacy statements to see how personal information could well be used. The most reliable online merchants will always make this information easily available.

Look for bonus rewards for online shopping: Most online shops are eager to welcome you to this easy and convenient method of shopping.

One can often find special frequent shopper programmes, awards, bonuses, and promotions by shopping online. Look for the items you want and see what extras are available against them.

Save on shipping and handling and other costs: When calculating the final cost of a purchase, don't forget shipping and handling charges.

And if you're doing business with a merchant located in another state or country, taxes and international costs may apply.

Before you buy, check the merchant site for a description of what charges will apply to your purchase -- you may be able to save money by purchasing multiple items at once, or by identifying lower costs on a particular Web site.

Look for signs of security and never send payment information via e-mail: There are several ways to tell if a merchant site is secure. Symbols like an unbroken lock or key, a URL that begins https://, and the words Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) mean that no one but you and the merchant can view your payment information. Some merchants also ask you to create a personal account that requires a password to enter an order.

This is a secure method as long as you always keep your password private, create passwords that are hard to figure out (avoiding numbers like your birth date, phone number, or social security number), and change your passwords often.

Most importantly never send payment information via e-mail. Information that travels over the Internet as regular e-mail is not fully protected from being read by outside parties.

All reputable merchant sites use encryption methods that will protect your private data from being read by others as you make an online transaction.

If you choose to use your payment card online, make sure that you are using a secure browser, and always look for the merchant's privacy policy and an explanation of how your personal information will be protected.

Many reliable merchant sites will also allow you to pay by phone, fax, or mail.

Never provide your card number as proof of your age: While shopping online you may come across requests for you credit card number as a proof of age. Never provide a merchant this information, as the card number does not validate an age.

Pay with your credit or charge card: Using your credit card online is easy. And you are protected in exactly the same way you are when you use your card at the store, order from a catalog by mail, or call in an order over the phone.

And in case of a problem, you always have safeguards from credit card companies against unauthorised card use, theft, or loss.

Keep a record of your transaction: Just as you save your receipts when shopping at the mall, you'll want to keep a record of your Internet purchases. Back up your transactions by saving and/or printing the online confirmation of your order.

These records are just like the receipts you keep when shopping in the physical world.

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