Shopping online can be fun and rewarding, but there are a few basic things you should know before you begin. Follow these tips to shop smart and stay safe on any website.

Pay with a credit card or visa/mastercard Debit Card:
Using your credit card online is both safe and easy. You're protected in exactly the same way you are when using your card at a store, ordering from a catalog by mail, or placing an order over the phone. In case of a problem, cards provide 100 percent protection against card theft, loss, or unauthorized use through the Zero Liability program. In addition, when shopping at participating Verified by Visa merchants, such as PayPal, you can shop with confidence knowing that you have an added layer of password protection.

Find out who and where you're dealing with:
Many times people make purchases over the internet without knowing who or where they are dealing with. If a Website doesn't have telephone number (preferably Toll-Free) and a physical address posted very clearly don't risk it. Anyone can copy a professional looking website and begin collecting money with no intention of ever delivering. Look for signs that they are who they say they are. An example is using an outside company, such as PayPal, to process transactions. Paypal requires anyone collecting internet sales to be verified by address, phone, and bank account information.

Read return, shipping information, and FAQ:
When calculating the final cost of a purchase, don't forget shipping and handling charges. If you're doing business with a merchant located in your same state, taxes will apply. Before you buy, check the merchant site for a description of charges that will apply to your purchase.

Look for signs of security:
Look for clues such as a lock and key at the bottom left corner of your browser, a URL that begins https://, or the words “Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).” These signs all indicate that only you and the merchant can view your payment information.

Keep your information and records safe:
Never send payment information via email. Information that travels over the Internet (like email) is not fully protected from being read by outside parties. All reputable merchant sites use encryption technologies that will protect your private data from being read by others as you conduct an online transaction.

Never provide your credit card number as proof of your age:
If a merchant requests that you provide your card number as proof of your age, do not give this information. A card number does not verify one’s age. When you pay online, make sure that you are using a secure browser and always look for the merchant's privacy policy and an explanation of how you are protected.