Online shopping: How to know which are safe

 Someone searches Amazon for that perfect Christmas gift. They found what they were looking for on whatis believed to be Amazon. Then they click “buy” and the odds are that they didn’t actually buy it from Amazon. More than 60% of that site’s sales are made by other vendors.  

Amazon isn’t the only major retailer that is expanding its business as a middleman. It may have been seen on other websites like Walmart, Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, and even Chewy. They are also running what is known as a third-party marketplace. In other words, these retailers are operating less like a store and more like a mall or flea market.

Here’s how to shop more safely

 Check out the seller. One easy way for protection is to buy directly from the retailer that runs the website. The seller’s name can usually be found on the product page near the button for buying the item. Otherwise, click the seller’s name for more info, including its product selection; a random mishmash could be a red flag. Also read user reviews, not just the ratings. 

Locate the shipper. By the seller’s name on Amazon, look for the “ships from” information. It’s important! One common scam is getting one certain colored item sent by Amazon and it would arrive in two days; other colors might be sold or shipped by a Chinese seller that would take weeks, it may cost more, and ship- ping rates would change also. And then, if for some reason the item would need to be returned, especially those which came from overseas, the purchaser might end up having to

pay a fortune to send it back.

 Spot return gotchas. When buying from third parties, pay special attention to each product, and return policies, including cost. There may be some protections like Walmart. For example, they will let you return third-party items to its store. But Amazon A to Z Guarantee has a lot of fine print.

 Here are some more online shopping safety measures:

Make sure the website is secured. Only enter your payment information if the website’s address starts with https://. The “s” stands for secure.  

Avoid using public WiFi networks. Only buy online when using your home WiFi. Free wireless on public networks at places like coffee shops and airports can be breached by cyber thieves. The same goes for shopping on public computers. Using a public computer somewhere such as a library or hotel isn’t a good idea. Forgetting to log out of your account the next user will have access.

 Never give out your Social Security Number! Shoppers will never need to supply their SSN for simple online purchases. If a seller asks, it could be a scam.

 Keep your computer or tablet up to date. Whether it’s a Mac or PC, your information is safer when your operating system is kept up to date.

 Lastly, check your statements. Take a look at your credit card and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized purchases, especially during the holiday shopping season.