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and temporarily withhold payment while a creditor investigates. Verify theonline security before giving your credit card number.Keep a Record Print a copy of your purchase order and confirmationnumber for your records. Keep in mind that the federal Mail-and-Telephone Order Rule (see Chapter 15) covers orders made over theInternet. Consequently, unless stated otherwise, merchandise must bedelivered within 30 days, and the company must notify you of delays.Worldwide ShoppingOnline shopping has opened up a worldof available goods. With the click of amouse, you can order sombreros fromMexico or spices from India. Shoppingelectronically (especially when dealingwith sellers in other countries) raises manyquestions. Are the prices listed in U.S. dollarsor another currency? Does the companyship internationally? How long willdelivery take? Will unexpected taxes orduties be added to the price? Who can helpyou resolve any problems? Answering thesequestions will help you determine whethera Web site is safe for international onlineshopping.SHOP AT HOME Thereis no limit to the kinds ofitems that you can buyon the Internet. How canyou safeguard Internetshopping?Electronic SignaturesE-Sign (Electronic Signatures in Global and National CommerceAct) is a federal law that permits the use of electronic signatures andrecords. An electronic signature is a method of signing an electronicmessage. It identifies a particular person as the source of the message.It also indicates that person’s approval of the information in the message.Under this law, an electronic signature can be used on a contractif the parties agree. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA),adopted by numerous states, is a similar law.Online PrivacyDo you ever worry about your privacy on the Internet?Online privacy is a part of your more general right to privacy. It concernsyour identity, movement, and personal and commercial activitieson the Internet. Privacy rights can be violated when the wrong peoplegain access to secret computer records. Many legal safeguards exist toprotect your right of privacy.The common law tort of invasion of privacy is grounded inyour right to maintain personal privacy. The U.S. Constitution protects286 Unit 3: Understanding Consumer Law