BBB provides tips for safe online shopping

Black Friday isn’t the only big shopping day of the year.

According to the Better Business Bureau, more shoppers are waiting to purchase Christmas gifts online. Retailers refer to the online shopping day as Cyber Monday.

Although online shopping means no long lines or fighting crowds, the BBB warns it can open consumers to attacks from scammers and hackers.

According to a BBB news release, Cyber Monday shoppers should ensure their computers are up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software and are connected to a secure Wi-Fi network.

BBB recommends checking a seller’s reputation and customer satisfaction record by checking for a BBB seal or other widely recognized trademarks.

While shopping, consumers should beware of deals that sound “too good to be true,” according to the release.

“Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails can often sound too good to be true, especially extremely low prices on hard-to-get items,” the BBB warns. “Consumers should always go with their instincts and not be afraid to pass up a ‘deal’ that might cost them dearly in the end.”

When purchasing items, the BBB recommends shoppers pay with credit cards because, under federal law, consumers may dispute charges if they do not receive the item.

Before completing a purchase, shoppers should ensure the purchase is secure by looking for an “s” in https:// in the address box as well as a lock symbol in the lower right corner, according to the BBB.

Once an order is placed, shoppers should save a copy of the purchase confirmation Web page and any emails as a record, the BBB said.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.