Thinking about shopping online for the holidays? Browsing and buying online can save you time, money, and effort.

However, if shoppers fail to stop and think before they click, they could become victim to an online Scrooge. Online consumers can take a few precautions when they’re online to help minimize the chances of a mishap.

Here are some tips that should get you through this shopping season:

Know who you’re dealing with.
Confirm an online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you need to get in touch with them. If you get an e-mail or pop-up message from the seller while you’re browsing that asks for financial information, don’t reply or click on the link in the message.

Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via e-mail or pop-ups.

Read the seller’s description of the product closely.
Words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out” may indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition; name-brand items with “too good to be true” prices could be counterfeits.

Calculate the costs.
Don’t forget to factor shipping and handling into the total cost of the order.

Pay by credit or charge card.
Never send cash under any circumstances. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates.
Can you return the item for a full refund? Who pays the shipping costs or restocking fees? Check on when you can expect to receive your order.

Can the recipient return your gift? If so, ask that a gift receipt be included in the package.

Keep a paper trail.
Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of any e-mails you exchange with the seller.

Read your credit card statements as you receive them to be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.