Release Date: November 2003
SURFING THE WEB SAFELY
Today, you can accomplish a lot online, from the comfort of your home computer—you can make dining reservations, order flowers and bid on antiques and collectibles, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. And shopping online can help you get a jump on the holidays. But how do you get the most out of the Internet and stay safe too?
Learn the ins and outs of Internet auctions and how to protect yourself when shopping online with Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Find out about the different types of auctions, concerns to keep in mind, tips for buying and selling, and who to contact for help. Learn about the benefits of shopping online and how to protect your personal information with Shop Safely Online from the FTC and American Express. Use the glossary in Site Seeing on the Internet to learn the lingo of the Net, and follow its useful tips for protecting your children when they are online.
Before you buy anything in an Internet auction, know who is selling the item. Verify the seller's identity before you place the bid. Be suspicious of sellers you can't identify—it may be impossible to contact them if something goes wrong after the sale. Get his or her telephone number and try it out—make sure you have another way to contact the seller besides e-mail.
The same rule applies with more traditional e-tailers. Shop only with companies you know. If you're not familiar with the company, request its catalog. Be clear on the company's refund, return and privacy policies before you buy.
Learn more with the “Surfing Safely” package. This package costs $3.00. There are three easy ways to get your publications:
- Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256 , weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the “ Surfing Safely ” package.
- Send your name and address to Surfing Safely, Pueblo, Colorado 81009 .
- Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.
Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.
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ELECTRONIC BANKING
If you hate waiting in line at the bank to deposit a check or make withdrawals, electronic banking may be for you. Electronic banking, also known as Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) gives you 24-hour access to your money. Learn more about EFT with Electronic Banking from the Federal Trade Commission. This publication costs $1.00. For your copy, please call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO , that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 375K. Have your credit card handy. Or send your name, address and a check or money order for $1.00 to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 375K, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: WHAT EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
Social Security affects us all, no matter where we are in life. It's especially important for women to understand how life changes affect these benefits. Use Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know from the Social Security Administration to get the facts on how a woman's benefits are affected by disability, divorce, widowhood, retirement, or other special circumstances. For your free copy, call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 519K. Or send your name and address to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Dept. 519K, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print out this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.
- Please check with Shantae Goodloe if you plan to use this release after January 15, 2004
- If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to shantae.goodloe@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.
GSA # 2596
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