Online shopping advice

More people than ever are holiday shopping on the Internet this year. COMBAT recommends that you shop Maine stores because doing so is safer and supports our local economy, but if you shop online, exercise special caution because doing so has greater risks.

The Internet is full of shadowy “companies” that are little more than a couple of guys with a fancy Web site and no product. They come and go like thieves in the night, leaving a trail of victims behind. Online transactions are harder to track because many have a Web site or e-mail address but no street address or phone number. P.T. Barnum once said “there’s a sucker born every minute,” but the Internet has accelerated that pace. Here’s how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of this growing trend.

If unfamiliar with a company and especially if you were approached by unsolicited e-mail, get the company’s mailing address and phone number before doing business.

Get a written (e-mail) assured shipment date, who to contact if a problem arises, and refund policy. If the vendor is based overseas, it’s especially important to order by credit card. Even then, be aware that you might not have the same legal protections or be able to enforce your rights as easily if the company is outside the United States.

Shop with vendors who post their privacy policy and offer options about the use of your personal information. In most cases, your user name, password, credit card number and shipping information should be the only information a vendor requires. Don’t shop with a vendor that wants more information than you are comfortable providing.

If the seller requires you to use a password for purchase, don’t use the same password you use to log on. Choose a different password every time you register with a new site.

Other payment options don’t offer the protections provided by credit cards. Some credit card issuers offer extended warranties or other advantages for credit card purchases and if the product doesn’t arrive on time or you aren’t satisfied, you can dispute the charges through your credit card company. In addition, if you have an unauthorized charge on your bill, your credit card liability under federal law is limited to $50.

Buy only from vendors that protect your financial information when ordering online. To confirm that the server is secure, look for an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom of the browser window. These symbols mean that the information you are sending is “encrypted” (converted to a secret code) for online transmission.

Many online retailers add shipping and handling fees based on where the order is to be shipped or the cost or weight of the goods. Be sure to determine shipping and handling costs and designate which delivery method you prefer or the retailer may decide for you and the item could arrive too late for Christmas.

Print and file records related to the transaction and make sure you keep the company’s URL, e-mail address and mailing address handy until the product arrives.

If you have encountered a suspicious online offer or a negative shopping experience but don’t need action on your behalf, file a formal complaint with COMBAT by mail or e-mail to

ProtectME@consumerprotect.org. Include your full name and mailing address because we will not accept your e-mail without that information. We’ll add your report to the data base and watch for an accumulation. If a pattern emerges or a fully documented incident comes to our attention, we’ll investigate and report our findings.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization.