Shopping online has definitely cut down the hassles of going to the store and jostling in jam-packed malls. With the advent of the Internet, affordable online shopping is now at your fingertips. In just a few clicks of the mouse, you can purchase anything of your choice from the stuff on your computer monitor. Purchasing online is definitely the “in” thing because aside from getting a wide array of products, conducting transactions or payment can be done in a jiffy online.

Consumers across the globe are increasingly turning to the one-click convenience of online shopping thus its popularity these days.

Although online stores cast away the inconvenience that normally tail shopping, do you know that scam artists and fraudulent companies are predominant on the web? A recent consumer report of the Global Nielsen identifies the problems encountered by shoppers from cheap online shopping. These include “phishing” or “spoofing”, identity theft, non-delivery of goods, and fraud.

Online merchants are shrewder than what you thought. They sham as legit companies and hook customers with their very low priced commodities. Scammers cloak themselves under impressive marketing skills, and sweet-talk potential victims with goodies and freebies. However excellent in deceiving others, frauds can be avoided if consumers take measures to protect themselves from brick and mortar stores. In fact, Pay Pal, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Global Nielsen have released safety precautions to those engaging in online shopping. Here are as follows:

Check carefully the website, products and services

Buying online is like purchasing your goods from a brick and mortar store. It's best to conduct business with companies that the public knows about already. For example, if you shop for electronics online, visit reliable sites such as SONY, Radio Shack, Circuit City, and Tweeter.

Meanwhile, if you find an unfamiliar website, research about the company's background, products, and services. Reliable companies should include their contact information such as business address and phone numbers. To check the store, call the listed phone number and ask questions to determine the legitimacy of its business. Ask how the merchant handles returned merchandise and complaints. Find out if it offers full refunds or only store credits.

If you're still not convinced, check the yellow pages or search the Better Business Bureau listings, or a government consumer protection agency to ensure the validity of the company. After you've done everything but still feel uncomfortable with the idea of buying or bidding for an item on the web, then maybe you shouldn't.

Understand the web site's privacy and security policies

If you opt for online electronics shopping, don't forget to read carefully the privacy policy. According to BBB, the Privacy Policy helps determine what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. Or, look for merchants who are members of TRUSTe, Verisign, and BBB.

Scrutinize the company's rules and regulations for the following:

- Shipping costs and guidelines

- Cancellation rules

- Return and complaint handling policies

- Payment guidelines

Keep your accounts safe

Pay with your credit cards every time you place orders. Payments made by credit cards allow you to keep the payment amount in your bank account. Also, some banks grant their clients extended warranties or other advantages for purchases made with the card.

Never use an ATM or debit card for they can expose your bank account to the thieves.

Never give financial and private information

The rule of thumb when making transactions or online shopping for electronics is never to give your Social Security Number and other financial information.

It's okay to give information including your name, contact numbers, and address, but if the merchant asks beyond that, do not disclose it. Also, keep your password private. Do not use a password that is a giveaway such as your birth date, mother's name, wife's name, etc. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters.