Abogados

HISPANIC PR - According to the latest Roper U.S. Hispanic Cyberstudy, Hispanics with Internet access at home are quickly adopting to high-speed broadband faster than their non-Latino counterparts. In addition, Internet sales this holiday season are expected to double this year, prompting companies like Verizon Communications to alert consumers about safety online shopping tips.

Verizon’s Online Shopping Tips

1. Shop at Secure Web Sites
How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.

2. Research the Web Site before You Order
Reliable companies should advertise their physical business address and at least one phone number, either customer service or an order line. Call the phone number and ask questions to determine if the business is legitimate. Even if you call after hours, many companies have a "live" answering service, especially if they don't want to miss orders. Ask how the merchant handles returned merchandise and complaints. Find out if it offers full refunds or only store credits.

3. Read the Web Site's Privacy and Security Policies
Every reputable e-commerce web site offers information about how it processes your order. It is usually listed in the section entitled Privacy Policy. You can find out if they intend to share your information with a third party or affiliate company. Do they require these companies to refrain from marketing to their customers? If not, you can expect to receive "spam" (unsolicited e-mail) and even mail or phone solicitations from these companies.

4. What's Safest: Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, or Checks? The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation. When it has been determined that your credit was used without authorization, you are only responsible for the first $50 in charges. You are rarely asked to pay this charge. We recommend that you obtain one credit card that you use only for online payments to make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.

5. Never Give Out Your Social Security Number
Providing your Social Security number is not a requirement for placing an order at an e-commerce web site. There is no need for the merchant to ask for it. Giving out your Social Security number could lead to having your identity stolen.

6. Disclose Only the Bare Facts When You Order
When placing an order, there is certain information that you must provide to the web merchant such as your name and address. Often, a merchant will try to obtain more information about you. They may ask questions about your leisure lifestyle or annual income. This information is used to target you for marketing purposes. It can lead to "spam" or even direct mail and telephone solicitations.

7. Keep Your Password Private
Most reputable e-commerce web sites require the shopper to log-in before placing or viewing an order. The shopper is usually required to provide a username and a password. Never reveal your password to anyone. When selecting a password, do not use commonly known information, such as your birth date, mother's maiden name, or numbers from your driver's license or Social Security number. Do not reuse the same password for other sites. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters.

8. Check the Web Site Address
Above the web site at the top of your screen is a rectangular window that contains the web site address (also called the URL or Uniform Resource Locator). By checking that address, you can make sure that you are dealing with the correct company.

9. Always Print Copies of Your Orders
After placing an order online, you should receive a confirmation page that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your customer information, product information, and the confirmation number.

10. Shop with Companies Located in the Unites States
When you shop within the U.S., you are protected by state and federal consumer laws. You might not get the same protection if you place an order with a company located in another country.