Shopping Safely Online
Online shopping is different from shopping at your local mall — you can’t talk to the merchant, touch the product you want to buy or keep an eye on your credit card information. Here are some tips to help you and your family shop safely online.
Know…
Be careful about…
Online auctions
- Online auctions can be risky.
- Verify who is selling the item.
- Know what you’re buying.
- Get a description of the item in writing in case the product does not meet your expectations.
- When you are buying from a private individual, consumer protection laws do not protect you.
- Read the rules of the auction site — better sites will keep records of customer satisfaction and should also have dispute resolution mechanisms.
Buying internationally
- Remember, buying internationally involves more risk.
- When calculating the price, factor in shipping and handling costs, taxes, duty and currency conversions.
- Ask about warranties.
- Check that products meet Canadian safety standards.
Stay away from…
- Any offer that sounds too good to be true.
- Any promise of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.
- Any offer that requires you to send money before you get the special deal or loan.
These are all good indicators of fraud. Check the following websites for more information:
Additional Information
- Better Business Bureau
- Canadian Bankers Association
- Canadian Marketing Association
- Canadian Consumer Information Gateway
This information is brought to you by the ministries responsible for Consumer Protection in the provinces and territories (list of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Consumer Affairs Offices), along with the Office of Consumer Protection at Industry Canada.