Check the Internet Company's On-line Policy Before Purchasing Products Over the Net

Thanks to the Internet, we can shop all over the world any time of the day or night without ever leaving home. Technology has changed the way we shop, but there are pitfalls.<br> <br>If you're

Friday, March 24th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Thanks to the Internet, we can shop all over the world any time of the day or night without ever leaving home. Technology has changed the way we shop, but there are pitfalls.

If you're testing out the world of cybershopping, there are a few steps you can take to protect your money before you buy. And before you buy protection for your credit card, you might want to think twice. You may not need it.

Credit cards are a billion dollars business in the U-S. The government says some companies are trying to sell credit card protection that most consumers don't need.
The Federal Trade Commission says some telemarketing companies are frightening customers into paying hundreds of dollars for credit card protection.

These companies often target college students and seniors. The F-T-C has taken action against three companies accused of taking more than 25 million from people. The F-T-C says most people don't need such coverage. If someone steals your card, federal law says you are only responsible for $50 in unauthorized purchases.

If you're spending more time shopping on-line, there are a ways to do it safely. First, check the companies customer service policy and look for an actual mailing address and phone numbers. Then check shipping and handling fees as well as the return policy to see how much you'll have to spend to return a product.

"Most consumers never read the policy," said Better Business Bureau president Rick Brinkley. "They don't know. You start figuring that you've paid shipping to get the product. You're going to have to pay shipping to return the product, and most of the time, they're never going to reimburse the shipping costs. Then the company is going to charge you to put the product back on to the shelf again. You've really got to ask questions before you purchase over the Internet," Brinkley explained.

Be sure to read the policies and look for the Better Business Bureau's online symbol. That means the Internet company meet's the B-B-B's criteria for good business practices.