"The Computer Guy"

• Make sure you're using a secure web connection when you go to the order portion of the site.
• Know who your seller is. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau if you don't know who they are.
• Print out your order page where it has the total charge and your shipping and billing information. Many sites allow this after you've ordered, but it's a good idea to print out the page where you enter your information, as well.
• Select a delivery that allows you tracking and delivery confirmation, like UPS, FedEx or others that will provide a tracking number that you can use online or on the phone to locate your purchase. This is especially important if you're going to have the item sent to someone other than yourself.
• Use a credit card that you specifically use only for online purchases. This allows you to verify the charges and watch for any unauthorized charges.
• Most order sites require an email address. Some will use this to email you an order confirmation and most will say they won't sell your information, but using an email address specifically set up for online orders gives you one central spot for your ordering information to be saved as well as allowing you to find out who's selling your email information so you can reduce spam and stop using the seller. Usually, your provider allows you a number of free email addresses, but you can always set up an email account at places like Hotmail, Google Mail or many others.
• Always print a receipt.

You can find out previous Tip of the Month files in our Tip Archive.

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