Scams don't take a holiday -- Page 2
By Amy C. Fleitas • Bankrate.com

According to the Federal Trade Commission, you don't have to pay for merchandise you don't receive within this period. The Fair Credit Billing Act and the Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule protect you.

If you used your credit card, the company must refund your money within one billing cycle. If you used a check, money order or cash (don't use cash -- it's not traceable) your money must be refunded within seven working days.

Still waiting with no merchandise? Time to dispute your credit card bill.

It's not as simple as not paying your bill. You have to contact your credit card company in writing and by phone to let it know about the situation. Make sure you send your letter to the address for billing inquiries (look on the back of your latest statement), not the payment address, within 60 days of the date when the bill with the disputed charge was mailed. Bankrate has credit card form letters to help you state your case in a dispute.

If you used your debit card instead of a credit card, you might have a harder time getting your money back. But some banks offer protection with their debit cards. Contact your bank to find out.

Short on cash?
If holiday spending is leaving you a little tight, those credit card offers in your mailbox may look appealing. But if you're not careful, you could end up being squeezed even tighter.

Watch out for the fine print on credit card offers and realize that the generous-sounding original offer may be very different from the card you receive. Read the offer very carefully to determine the limits, rates, fees and terms you are accepting. Also, check out the company that sent you the offer to make sure it's not a front for a scam -- not all companies are legitimate.

Before deciding that a credit card is your best alternative in a pinch, consider this: If you can't afford to pay cash, perhaps you can't afford it at all. Opt for things you can afford to buy now, rather than putting yourself (further) in debt.

Bidding online -- bargain or bust?
You can find some great deals in online auctions. You can also find some shameless cons. So bid safely.

The best rule of thumb is to use your common sense. Do your research on an item. Don't simply take the word of sellers who say their items are rare or one of a kind. Shop around for prices and availability. Be sure to check brick-and-mortar stores as well -- auctions don't necessarily have lower prices.

And don't let your greed get the best of you. If you see an item being sold for a uniquely low price, you might have found a great deal -- or a scam. Trust your gut.

The same goes for online stores. Only shop sites you know and trust. Remember that anyone can build a legitimate-looking Web site -- even con artists.