Never use the same password for all accounts. Know who you're dealing with. A flashy professional Internet site does not guarantee that the sponsor is legitimate. If you are unfamiliar with the company, check with Consumer Affairs to see if it has any complaints against it. Learn a company's online privacy policy.
Many companies post their privacy policy on their site.
It should disclose what information is being collected on the site and how that information is being used. If you can't find a policy, send an email or written message to the site to ask about its policy and request that it be posted on the site. The Law Is On Your Side. By law, a company must ship your cyber-purchase within the time stated or within 30 days if no time is specified. Your purchase is also protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act which allows you to withhold payment of disputed charges until it is resolved.