http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt191.shtm

• Know what you’re buying
• Read ALL of the sellers description – even the small print
• Read/ask about terms and conditions
• Can I return the item for a refund
• Who pays shipping
• Will I be charged a restocking fee
• Print and save records of online transactions
• Including emails
• Only buy gift cards from merchants you know and trust
• Do not buy gift cards from online auction sites - most are fraudulent
• Be stingy with your personal information
• Do not give out your credit card or bank information in exchange for anything including:
• Newest tech toy
• Free gift card
• Seasonal job
• Holiday vacation rental
• Do not email your financial information
• Email is NOT a secure way to transmit numbers. Protect your credit card, checking account and Social Security number
• Check the privacy policy
• This may be a long but WORTH IT process. It can give important information telling you:
• What personal information the site collects
• Why it collects it
• How your information will be used
• If you can not find the privacy policy or if you do not understand it please do not shop there.
• Shop around
• Always compare "apples to apples"
• Some retailers will match prices
• Check for shipping costs
• Many will offer free shipping
• Should you buy on public WiFi?
• Never assume public hot spots are secure
• Do not send sensitive information such as credit card/bank information over public networks
• Pay by credit or charge card
• Credit Cards offer the best consumer protections.
• By Federal law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain situations and you may temporarily withhold payments during the time the creditor is being investigated.
• If your card is used without you authorizing it your liability usually ends after the first $50.
• Free can be costly
• Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software and firewall current
• Free screensavers, e-cards or other downloads can carry dangerous viruses.
• Monitor YOUR financial accounts
• This will help you find unauthorized charges before it is too late to do anything about them.
• For more information
• To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues you may visit ftc.gov or call the following toll free numbers
• 1-877-382-4357, TTY: 1-866-653-4261

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/consumer/tech/privacy.shtm

Refer to this site when you need to find out about under the heading Facts For Consumers:

• Dot Con
• Warns about consumers who are con artist and are very high-tech and use the internet to fraud consumers.
• Lists the top 10 dot cons on the net and the known fraudulent people behind them
• Minimizing the Effects of Malware on Your Computer
• Teaches you to protect your computers against malware and provides tips on reclaiming your computer and electronic information if malware is on your computer.
• OnGuard Online: Stop, Think, Click
• These tips help you be on guard against Internet fraud; it helps secure your computers and protects personal information.