Tips to stay safe while shopping online from the BBB

Melanie Duquesnel, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau, Eastern Michigan offers up these tips when it comes to online shopping this holiday season. Black Friday & Small Business Saturday: -Read the Fine Print. Lots of deals and doorbusters come with plenty of exclusions and limitations. As the saying goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. -Do Your Research. Read product reviews, especially on extremely discounted items. You may be getting exactly the quality you're paying for. Also, pay attention to potential deceptive advertising tactics and price inflations before the discounts…that great deal may not be so great after all. -Know the Return Policy. From big box retailers to local boutiques, make sure you know your options for returning or exchanging any purchases, including sale items, BEFORE you buy. Cyber Monday: -Shop Only Trustworthy Sites. Stick to reputable and well-known e-commerce retailers when shopping online. Keep a close eye on the web address in your browser, as scammers love to create lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer. Beware the fakes and phonies. -Use Credit, Not Debit. It's always best to make online purchases with your credit card. If any unknown charges turn up later, you'll be able to contest them through your credit card company's fraud department. Debit cards don't offer this same protection. Giving Tuesday: -Expect Transparency. Any credible non-profit organization should be able to tell you what percentage of your purchase price or contribution will benefit the charity (and its recipients) directly, and/or how specifically your money will be used. -Confirm Site Security. Before making any online donations, confirm the non-profit website's security and privacy policies. -Don't Succumb to Pressure. You don't have to give on the spot, just because it's #GivingTuesday. Any charity than can use your money today, will welcome it just as much tomorrow. Take your time to do your research and give when you feel ready.