Use Shopper's Intuition

Look at the site with a critical eye. And heed the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

• Are there extraordinary claims that you question?

• Do the company's prices seem unusually low?

• Does it look like the merchant is an amateur?

• Are there a lot of spelling or grammar errors?

• Does the company's phone go unanswered.

• The use of a post office box might not send up a red flag, but a merchant who does not also provide the company's physical address might be cause for concern.

If any of these questions trigger a warning bell in your head, you will be wise to find another online merchant.