THIS AND THAT FOOTNOTES

source: HowTo.CNet.com

Vet the site you're buying from before you make your purchase
Record the details of the item and delivery terms to ensure you get what you paid for and that it arrives when you expect to receive it
Uncheck any preselected offers
Maintain a paper trail of your purchase
Watch for unexpected charges in your subsequent credit card statements

Make sure your browser is up-to-date
Check for the lock icon or other indication in the address bar (such as "https:") to ensure the site uses a secure connection
Trust your instincts: if the site gives you a bad feeling, leave it
Don't let the site store your credit card information
Read the site's privacy, return, and refund policies
If the site lists a toll-free telephone number for orders, place your order by phone rather than online (You may be able to convince the phone agent to honor any "online-only" specials.)
As soon as the item arrives, make sure you received what you expected


SafeShopping.org Shopping Tip List
OnguardOnline.org's Shopping Online page (includes links to agency sites for registering complaints against Web vendors)
BBBOnline Shopping Tips (or search for the business in the BBB Accredited Business database)
Google Stay Safe Online Shopping Tips
12 online shopping dos and don'ts from Elinor Mills' InSecurity Complex blog
Tips for safe online shopping by Larry Magid
How to prevent identity theft from the September 13, 2011, Workers' Edge blog