Holidays

BOSTON Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley offers advice on how to protect yourself when purchasing online this holiday season:
 

• Only do business with companies you know. If you are intent on doing business with a company you know nothing about, research where the company is located and call the local Better Business Bureau to check on their reputation. Consumer's can also check with the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline by calling (617) 727-8400. 
   
• Though many websites offer secure transactions, it may be safer to order by phone or mail. If you decide to purchase online, you may want to pay with a credit card as it gives you the most consumer protection, including the right to dispute a charge if the item is not as represented.
   
• Check the business's website for Return Policies and Delivery Policies. If the website does not provide information about delivery dates and returns, be cautious about proceeding with the purchase.
   
• Order as early as possible. If it is important to you to get a gift to someone by a particular date, order as early as possible and check the delivery dates specified by the site.
   
• If you are doing business with a company outside the U.S., know how much you are paying. Are the prices stated on the website in U.S. or foreign currency?  Research contact information for the company. It is especially important to note that even if you are making purchases with a credit card, consumer protections may not extend to purchases made outside of the U.S.  The general limit for consumer protections on credit cards is within your state, or 100 mile radius of your home, though some credit card companies will extend those protections—ask first, shop later.
   
• Federal and state laws protect consumers from fraudulent use of credit cards and debit cards.  You are only responsible for $50 under state law if your credit or debit card has been used for purchases you did not authorize.  Some credit card companies actually provide for zero liability for unauthorized use.
   
• Online Auctions make it difficult to know EXACTLY who you are doing business with.  Check out the website's consumer protection policies-many offer insurance or other assistance if you are a victim of fraud. If you have made a successful bid, try to make direct contact with the seller instead of just communicating through email. Pay for your purchases with a credit card. You may also want to consider using an escrow service to protect your money.
   
• Remember, comparison shop before you go, consider alternatives to gift certificates and gift cards if you are concerned about how long they will hold value and be sure you know the store's return, refund and cancellation policies. Be sure to let the gift recipient know all of these things too. 

 
Consumers that have questions about retail laws in Massachusetts or wish to make a complaint against a business should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The Attorney General's Website, www.mass.gov/ago, offers additional tips on retail rights and consumer protections.

The above was excerpted from the Attorney General's "Consumer's Advice for Holiday Shopping Season."

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