The online marketplace is filled with counterfeit, expired, or otherwise ineffective and unsafe medications, yet the deep discounts and convenience offered by many online pharmacies make ordering drugs, vitamins, and other health products tempting.
If you are going to buy medicine online, the World Health Organization urges you to use a checklist for the drugs, asking yourself questions such as these:
The amazing deal you spotted on car for sale on Craigslist or some other sale site often comes with problems you won't find until down the road, so to speak. When buying a car from a private seller, you run the risk of buying a car that has recalls, improper repairs, or might even have been stolen.
Always run a Carfax report, and consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the car – the cost will be worth it, especially if it saves you from buying an inferior vehicle. And never buy a car sight unseen.
Related: 8 ways to avoid getting scammed when buying a car online
If you have worn clothing from the same company for years and always enjoy the look and fit of the garments, then by all means go ahead and shop online.
Buying clothing from a brand that's new to you, however, should always be done in person, or at the very least make sure you read through the return policy prior to making a purchase. Since clothes sizing can vary greatly between companies, shopping for clothes from new brands might mean ending up with garments that are too large or small.
Again, if you have a specific product from a specific brand that you already know and trust, go ahead and buy it online. If you're looking for a new cosmetic product, do it in person.
You can usually test products in stores and get advice from experts on which will suit you best, while the cosmetics you order online may not only not suit you, they may be counterfeits containing unsafe ingredients.
If you are looking to collect high value fine art, you need to go through a respected gallery or auction house, whether in person or online. When you buy artwork online from a source you are not certain is legitimate, you run the risk of buying forged or stolen works. Consult organizations like Art Recovery International or The Art Loss Register if you are unsure.
If you're not going to adopt your new pet, at least get it in person from a respected breeder or a pet store with humane practices.
According to the ASPCA, the United States Department of Agriculture has licensed only a fraction of the breeders selling dogs online, meaning many canines for sale online may be misrepresented in terms of health, temperament, background, and even breed.
It is safe to buy pricey jewelry online, but only if the seller meets a series of criteria recommended by the Gemological Institute of America. The organization advises only considering an "online seller or venue has been established for a number of years and is in good standing with third party sources or previous buyers."
The organization also says you must "pay close attention to the seller's return policy, (have access to) multiple product … from all angles," and come with clear information in condition, provenance, and certification.
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