Use a secure browser that encrypts purchase information.
Determine the merchant's level of security and privacy policies. If you are not comfortable entering your credit card number online, call it in to the company's 800 number or fax it.Ask for the company's physical location, including the address and phone number. Before making a purchase, call the phone number to verify the information you were supplied. And check the company's reliability with organizations like the BBB http://www.bbb.org/bureaus/index.html and consumer agencies http://www.bbb.org/library/outsideResources/index.html.
Request a catalog or brochure to get a better idea of the merchant's merchandise and services. These pieces should supply you with the permanent business information you'll need if you have to contact the company again.
Determine the company's refund and return policies. This will make your purchasing decision easier, since it demonstrates if the company stands behind its product.
Don't give out your Internet password. If the site asks you to create an account with a password, never use the same password you use for other accounts or sites. Do not give out personal information -- like a Social Security number -- that is not needed to make a transaction.
Pay attention to the address of the merchant's site, the Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL ensures that you are dealing with the correct company. Determine what the shipping times and guarantees will be to ensure your purchases will arrive in time for the holidays.
Print out a copy of your order and confirmation number for your records. This information could be useful if you need to contact the business again. Know your rights. The same laws that protect you when you shop by phone or mail apply when you shop in cyberspace. Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its advertisements. If no time is promised, the company should ship your order within 30 days after receiving it, or give you an "option notice."
Check out the company's reliability report with the Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org/bureaus/index.html. Close to 2,000 businesses are online members www.bbbonline.org. Clicking on the BBBOnLine seal at the member's Web will show the BBB standards met by the company and link you to the company's BBB reliability report. The Federal Trade Commission's web site www.ftc.gov can also provide additional information on cybershopping.