Avoid shopping scams on Cyber Monday

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- You may want to try and save money by buying your Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa presents online, but it's all too easy to fall victim to online scammers, and Rhode Island's attorney general is pointing out how you need to be cautious before entering your information.

"Just as you keep your wallet in a safe place, it's important to safeguard your personal information when shopping online," Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said in a news release Friday.

Over 120 million shoppers will be buying items online instead of braving mall and big-box store crowds this weekend, according to analysts cited by the attorney general's office.

Here's what to watch out for:

Security In Your Web Browser

• Use secure websites. A secure website has an address that begins with "http s" and has a small padlock at the bottom of the page.
• Use a business/retailer that you know or trust. Big names carry big protections.
• Make sure your computer has updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, updated spam filters and a secure firewall. 

Security In Your Inbox

• Beware of deals from unsolicited e-mails, and offers on websites offering extremely low prices on hard to get items that sound "too good to be true".
• Do not click on a link or open an attachment from an unknown source.  
• Beware of phishing attempts. Legitimate businesses do not send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the consumer into revealing financial information. If you do receive such an e-mail, call the retailer directly. Do not reply to the e-mail and do not provide personal identifying information (i.e. your Social Security Number, your credit card or bank account information).

Security At Checkout

• Make sure the seller lists an address and phone number to call in case you have questions.
• Pay by credit card in case you need to dispute the bill or withhold payment.
• Print out and keep records of your purchases.

Security After Checkout

• Be familiar with the policies of each website. Get details about refund policies and restocking fees as well as shipping and handling fees.
• Make sure you read the site’s privacy policy to understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If there isn’t a privacy policy posted, it is a red flag that personal information may be sold to others without your permission.

If you believe you are a victim of consumer fraud, call the Consumer Protection Unit at the Attorney General's office at (401) 274-4400. You can get forms to file a consumer complaint at the AG's website, http://www.riag.ri.gov.