While shopping our local main streets is still one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit and at the same time help spark the local economy, shopping online has also become a very popular way to purchase gifts.   Whether during the holiday season or any other time of the year, Internet shoppers can reduce their chances of becoming victims of online predators by following some simple tips.

According to the New York State Consumer Protection Board (NYSCPB), online shoppers should follow these safety guidelines:

• Know the company with whom you are dealing: Anyone can create a web site that looks professional.  If you are not familiar with the company, request a catalog or brochure to get a better idea of its merchandise and services.  You can also check the reliability of a company with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org;

• Be thorough when using Internet auctions: If a consumer is utilizing an auction web site, such as eBay, he should have complete confidence in a potential seller by checking for feedback before conducting business;

• Maintain a record of your online transaction: Always print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation from the web site.  If the company sends you a confirmation via electronic mail, you should retain a copy of that correspondence until all concerns regarding the transaction are satisfied;