Dear Heloise: Now that so many people do so much online and the holiday shopping season is upon us, I would like to throw out a lesson. Everyone knows the dangers of credit-card fraud and identity theft that exist when you put your personal info on the Web. A smaller problem is spoiled surprises.

I ordered a high-tech DVD player for my husband from a large, reputable store. I had it shipped to me at work for two reasons: Its expense, and my husband is usually home before me. Lucky choice!

When it arrived at my office, I found that all the big chain store had done was st...

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