BBB Says Print Your Screen

To Help Make Your Case

WALLINGFORD — Most online transactions are a simple affair: order the goods or services, check the price, verify and itemize your purchase when you check out, and save and print a copy of the transaction record. 

But what happens if the printable record contains the price and shipping but not the details of a “special deal” that did not deliver?

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President Paulette Scarpetti explains that consumers should keep as detailed a record of an offer and transaction as possible, in case they eventually file a complaint.

“A paper trail is essential for consumers who file a complaint with BBB,” she added. “In some cases, however, a printed receipt or online confirmation may not be sufficient.”

Some websites’ offers change between the time a consumer makes a purchase at a “special rate” and when a complaint is filed. One example would be a holiday package booked through a third party that promises upgraded facilities for a daily premium. 

If the hotel subsequently tells the vacationer that there are no premium upgrades, it will be difficult to make the case in a complaint if the receipt only shows a total dollar amount.

It is simple for online shoppers to get proof of what was advertised when they made their booking or purchase by simply capturing the contents of their computer screen with a single keystroke.

Computer keyboards have a key, usually located on the right side with the letters “Prt Scr” on it.  When that key is pressed, it captures everything that appears on your screen and copies it to your computer’s clipboard. 

To save the image, just paste it into a word processing document and save it and print it.

Nearly all of the millions of online purchases made each day go off without a hitch. But in the event of a dispute, a screen capture can help consumers prove what was advertised was not necessarily what was delivered.

The BBB complaint system can be accessed at www.bbb.org.