HELOISE: Shopping online? FTC has some tips

Dear Readers: Shopping on the Internet? The Federal Trade Commission has these hints to offer:

Read the “Terms of Use” and make sure you understand them.

Check with your credit-card issuer to see what recourse you have if you are not happy with your purchase.

You should receive your purchase in a timely manner, and it should be what you purchased, not a substitute or lesser-quality item.

Don’t get lured off auction sites for a better deal, and always ask for the seller’s phone number to resolve any issues.

Delete “phishing” e-mails. Your password and personal information are yours, not anyone else’s.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Just read the letter from Joe regarding erasing the memory on built-in garage-door openers before selling or trading in your vehicle. Many vehicles today have factory-built, in-the-dash Global Positioning Systems. Please remind your readers to also delete all addresses, phone numbers, etc., from the GPS. The GPS and the garage-door opener in your vehicle are direct links to your home. I do not list my home address in my GPS. Our town square is about one mile from my home.

Carl, The Villages, Fla.

Dear Heloise: Most new cars have the electronic door locks that “toot” the horn if the car is relocked. If you don’t remember the location of your car, just “toot” the horn a couple of times using the lock button on the key fob. Continue relocking your car until you locate it.

Al from New Mexico

Dear Heloise: I have misplaced several address books, or didn’t change the addresses when some friends moved. I have started tearing off the return-address label from the corner of the envelope when I am sent a letter or card, and I put the labels in the plastic insert in my checkbook cover. They are always handy.

Jennifer, Camarillo, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I would like to share my hint for recycling all those advertising magnets you get from businesses. I take my favorite snapshots and, using white school glue, affix them to the front of the magnet. After letting them dry thoroughly, I trim them to fit and put them on the fridge. It works great, and they don’t end up in the landfill!

Samantha in Dallas

Dear Readers: Using a small cosmetics bag can make switching handbags very easy. Stow your small items (pens, keys, tissues, mints, etc.) in there, and when you want to change bags, just pull it out of the old bag and put it in the new one!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: The beach is great, but kids, suntan lotion and sand can combine to make a mess. I’ve discovered that sprinkled baby powder removes the sand and lotion; just brush off with a dry towel. No more sand in the car!

Mary in Indiana

Dear Heloise: Resealable bags are great for getting rid of garbage. This keeps smells at bay.

Bob, via e-mail

King Features Syndicate