Consumers have to be cautious more than ever when surfing the internet as they will come across many entrepreneurs who might appear to be authentic but can leave you high and dry when it comes to the products or services that they are offering.

So, here are 5 tips by which you can become a smarter consumer over the internet:

#1: Every time you come across a website, always tell yourself that just because they have a website they don’t necessarily run an authentic business.

#2: Look for the owner’s name and location of the business. Remember: you need to find a proper address and PO Box addresses don’t count as one.

#3: Also, call the city business license department and check as to whether the business is a legal one. Of course, if they aren’t, and you wish to transact with them, it won’t be a legal contract that you will sign with them.

#4: If the website has different trademark characters all over it, you can be sure that they aren’t legal. Also, if you look at the product list closely as some of these sites might be selling products that aren’t considered legal and aren’t available in your state or country. If you choose to buy the product anyways, you might still get in trouble with the post office.

#5: Don’t get fooled by labels that say that the business is an authentic one. Double-check it from other sources before you give your credit information away. Often times, it’s always safer to look for companies or brands that are local so that you can trace them if something goes wrong.