Reader TTS

TIPS FOR SHOPPING ONLINE DURING THE PANDEMIC • ACT FAST. I missed out on a reasonably priced box of disposable gloves at Staples.com because I hesitated for a few hours while I looked around

for a better deal. This is one time when it pays to be quick on the trigger. Don't get lulled into thinking that because the item is in stock one minute that it will be there the next.

• GO FOR BOPIS. That stands for “buy online, pickup in store.” Walmart and other major retailers offer curbside pick-up on many items so you don't even have to get out of your vehicle.

• CHECK SELLER RATINGS. There are lots of supplies on Amazon and eBay but you may have to buy from small, independent and/or overseas sellers. Always check a seller's reviews and

ratings. On eBay, my rule of thumb is 98 percent or higher. On Amazon, I always read through the reviews and ratings, and then check Fakespot.com. The website rates the quality of seller and

product reviews so you know which 4- and 5-star ratings you can trust and sidestep the problem of fake reviews. Also, always read return policies and shipping costs and times, which could

be weeks out. On Amazon, your best bet is to look for items marked “ships from and sold by Amazon.com." • AVOID CORONAVIRUS RIP-OFFS. For starters, don't use links from unsolicited

emails, texts and social media ads to buy supplies. Even if they look like they're from a major retailer, they could lead you to a scam site. If you want to shop online from, say,

Walmart, go directly to the retailer's website — and watch out for misspellings, which could send you right into the hands of cyberthieves. When you get to the checkout page, look at

your browser to make sure the web address starts with “https” and includes a lock icon. You can get more tips on protecting yourself and information on the latest scams from AARP and the 

Better Business Bureau.