KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaOnline shopping tips for the holidays

Online shopping tips for the holidays

Consumer Column From the Attorney General's Office:

(Baton Rouge, LA)-During the busy holiday season, many of us turn to the Internet for our shopping.  Let's face it; clicking a mouse is often a better alternative than dealing with crowds and standing in long lines.  While there are numerous advantages to online shopping, such as the Internet never closes and you can shop in your pajamas, you still need to be a smart shopper. 

            The Federal Trade Commission recommends the following for a safe online shopping experience:

• Know who you're dealing with. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.
• Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print.
• Know what it will cost. Remember to factor shipping and handling, along with any other fees, into the total cost of the order.
• Pay by credit or charge card for maximum protection.
• Know the terms of the sale such as refund policies and delivery dates.
• Print and save records of your online transaction.
• Don't e-mail your financial information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your financial information through an organization's website, look for indicators the site is secure such as a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Keep in mind that no indicator is foolproof. This is another reason to only deal online with stores that you are familiar with and, preferably, have a location where you live.

If you have a problem with your online shopping experience, there are a number of agencies you can turn to for assistance.  You can contact the Louisiana Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-351-4889 or visit our website at www.agbuddycaldwell.com to file a consumer complaint online.  You can also contact your local Better Business Bureau.  To find your local bureau, please visit www.bbb.org.  The Federal Trade Commission has a wealth of consumer protection information that can be found on their website at www.ftc.gov.