Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, November 19, 2014
(UNDATED) - The ‘Most Wonderful Time of Year’ could turn sour for customers with deals too good to be true.
It's that time of year to start thinking about shopping for the holidays. With deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is important to keep yourself safe during the holiday season. Before you pick your favorite Black Friday website, BBB recommends consumers find a reputable site that's not a fly-by-night operation by checking them out at bbb.org.
Here is what to keep in mind to protect yourself so, you don't lose money or presents. BBB offers these tips:
Black Friday Tips
Read the fine print. This may contain restrictions and important information for your purchasing decision.
Look at the return and exchange policy before you purchase your Black Friday special and see if a return is possible. The special could be a final sale, have a very short return window (like before December 25th), or in-store or online only credit could leave you with a deal gone wrong.
Keep in mind the old saying that is still true today: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Remember to get gift receipts and check your banking statements to ensure that your purchases are for the correct amount.
Keep your personal information to yourself and be mindful of where you are laying your credit card, driver's license, wallet, purse, etc. Don't leave a sales counter without them!
If you pay with cash or credit card, save your receipt to show the purchase occurred. If using your credit card, be sure to know how your credit card company handles disputing an incorrect charge on your credit card statement.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB's website at: bbb.org/indy/
Cyber Monday Tips
Shopping online has become extremely popular these days as families' lives become more hectic during the holiday season. Cyber Monday is a day to search for online deals for the holidays. Here is what BBB recommends to consumers when shopping online, not just for the holidays:
Before making your final purchase, shoppers should look in the url box for the "s" in "https://" and in the upper-left corner for the "lock" symbol before paying for added protection. These are signs that the website is secure.
Protect your personal information. Take time to read the site's privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used.
Shop safely online. Be sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Only shop on trusted websites; look for the BBB Accredited Business seal that shows a company has met our BBB Standards of Trust.
Keep documentation of your order. After completing the online order process, there may be a final confirmation page or the shopper might receive confirmation by e-mail. BBB recommends saving a copy of the confirmation and any e-mails for future reference and as a record of the purchase.
Look for "Contact Us" information, including a real address, a toll-free customer service number, and other ways to reach the company if you have a problem.
Use a credit card (not a debit card) when shopping online for greater protections against possible fraud.
Keep in mind: Money transfer services do not guarantee the receipt or quality of any goods or services an individual may purchase using wire transfers as a payment method.
Protect yourself from bogus websites: Check for misspellings and items that are out of place; these are red flags.
Not all deliveries require someone to sign or someone to be present to receive the package. If possible, have the package delivered to an address where you or someone you trust will be present at during a specific date and time. If this is impossible, you might consider having the package shipped with the option that you pick up the package from your Post Office or shipping company. Most times you will receive a tracking number for your delivery. Be sure to track your delivery until the package is received.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB's website at: bbb.org/indy/
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.