Safe Online Shopping
Remember these tips when shopping online with your parents:
- Use only secure sites that encrypts credit card for transmissions
- Use only sites that have many ways to contact them offline including: phone number, fax number, street address, E-mail address etc.
- Use only sites that have a privacy policy that protects your personal information.
- Use only sites that have a stated return policy and satisfaction guarantee.
- Observe rules about Parental Permission and laws regarding age restrictions. If you are not legally allowed to purchase something online do NOT do it.
This does not mean that smaller sites that do not offer the above are not reputable, but you should check them out thoroughly before using.
Another safety measure is to check out online businesses with: Better Business Bureau or National Fraud Institute for the latest scam alerts.
Is it safe to use a Credit Card online?
Many people still think it is unsafe to use a credit card online. There has not been one documented case of someone having their credit card stolen while shopping online. Both Visa and Mastercard assure users their cards are safe online. Mastercard established the Shop Smart program to ensure consumers their online transactions are safe.
For more information check out Frank Fiore's Practice Safe Shopping article for tips on consumer mediation, complaints and safe-site rating services currently on the Web.
Why go shopping online if you can't buy anything?
Just because you are a kid doesn't mean you can't visit the many terrific online stores, many set up just for kids like Rocket Cash. You may not be able to make a direct purchase yourself at most sites, but you will be able to look over the often huge selection of products available for kids.
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You can search for something you haven't been able to find anywhere else.
- Find a book you can't locate at the local library or bookstore.
- Look up your favorite video games to see when the latest release will be available.
- Find out when the latest video you want to see is being released.
- You can check out the hottest toys - and perhaps find one online when they run out in the stores.
- You can check the many fashion sites and see what is hot and new in clothes.
- You can read product reviews and often submit your own comments online about a product you have used.
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You can often find some good deals and sales on products online.
- You can comparison shop a bunch of stores for the best price without having to run all over town or the mall.
After you do the research on something you want, you can then take Mom or Dad online and show them your finds. They might just be impressed if you find it cheaper online or on sale! (don't forget to add delivery costs though!!) Don't be discouraged if Mom or Dad still don't bite and say no to online shopping. The information you gather at these online shopping sites is still useful when you go to the 'real' stores to shop.
