Shopping online for goods and services gives you access to businesses, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without having to fight the line at the mall. Hazards exist, however, that can trap the uninformed. One serious risk is that the personal information you give out online could be used to steal your identity and that the crook will take out loans, run up credit card debt, commit crimes, use your name, and so on. To minimize this risk, keep these rules in mind.

Most importantly, know the company with which you are dealing. Keep in mind that almost anyone, anywhere in the world, can set up a website. If you want to know who owns a website go to www.domainwatch.com or www.networksolutions.com, click on the “Who is?” section, and enter in the domain name. You will find a listing of the company that owns the website, where they are located and a contact person with phone number. If you can’t find this information, consider doing business with another website.

Keep in mind that foreign companies are not subject to our laws and it may be more difficult to pursue any problems you may have with its service or merchandise.