Consumers Urged to Guard Money and Personal Information When Shopping Online
Shoppers should be on the lookout for fake apps and lookalike websites
Online shopping is convenient but can expose you to scams and fraud. Follow these tips to protect your money and personal data when buying online.
Shop only on reputable sites
Stick with retailers you know. When in doubt, check the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection for complaints, and consult the Better Business Bureau. Beware of phishing emails linking to lookalike sites.
Be cautious with mobile apps
Only install shopping apps from official app stores or via links on the retailer’s own website. Read user reviews, check developer details and watch for typos in app names or descriptions.
Compare prices and quality
Don’t assume a site’s “best price” claim is accurate. Compare with other online and local stores, and verify product authenticity. Use barcode-scanning apps to confirm true retail prices.
Understand return policies
Read a merchant’s return and refund terms before buying. Some online-only retailers charge restocking or return shipping fees. Make sure you know whether you can return items to a store location or must ship them back.
Verify merchant contact details
Record the seller’s street address and phone number. Check them on official business registries, no state agency can enforce overseas transactions, so be extra cautious with international sellers.
Use secure payment methods
Pay by credit card rather than debit. Under federal law, credit card liability for unauthorized charges is limited to fifty dollars. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge. Look for “https” and a lock icon before entering payment details.
Avoid misleading pop-ups
Decline offers that appear after checkout promising additional discounts or services. They may enroll you in paid memberships or subscriptions without clear disclosure.
Know your delivery rights
Under the Mail or Telephone Order Rule, sellers must ship within stated time or within 30 days. If shipping is delayed, they must notify you and offer a cancellation and refund.
Protect your packages
Thieves can target home deliveries. Whenever possible, require a signature or have packages held for pickup at the carrier’s facility.
Keep thorough records
Save product descriptions, order confirmations, receipts and customer service contacts. Archive confirmation emails so you can track orders and resolve disputes.
Monitor your statements
Review credit card and bank statements each month. Report any unauthorized or unexpected charges immediately to your card issuer and request a replacement card.
Safeguard personal information
Never share Social Security, driver license or bank account numbers by email or social media. Only provide financial data on secure sites and avoid storing sensitive details on public or shared devices.
North Carolina resources
- NC Department of Justice, Consumer Protection: file complaints and get fraud alerts at ncdoj.gov/consumers
- Better Business Bureau of NC: business reviews and dispute resolution at bbb.org/local-bbb
- Federal Trade Commission: report scams and view consumer tips at ftc.gov
- Local law enforcement: report cybercrimes to your county sheriff’s office or city police department
By shopping on trusted sites, using secure payment methods and leveraging state and federal resources, you can enjoy online deals without risking your money or identity.