18 November 2008
How to shop safely on the internet
Bridgend County Borough Council‘s Trading Standards team are issuing advice to help local residents shop safely when using the internet as part of National Consumer Week (17-21 November 2008).
Research reveals that more than 20 million UK residents spent £55.3 billion by shopping online last year - an increase of roughly a third on the previous year’s figures. However, many shoppers are still unaware about their rights and the potential pitfalls of the internet.
Lee Jones, Head of Trading Standards, said: “Online shopping is quick and convenient, but with this great opportunity comes equally great dangers.
“The number of fake goods available in cyberspace has grown and can include clothing, computer games and films to ink cartridges and memory cards. Counterfeiters love the internet not just for its speed and reach, but also for its anonymity.
“In keeping with the National Consumer Week theme of being a savvy shopper, we are advising people to take care when shopping online.”
The following tips will help you to shop safely:
- Be wary of companies that only use a PO Box number – ask for a full address.
- Don’t assume that a company is based in the UK just because it has ‘UK’ in its web address. As for a full postal address.
- Keep copies of emails and sales confirmations.
- If your purchase is for more than £100, using your credit card may give you added protection if things go wrong.
- When using a credit or debit card, make sure that your details are secure before entering them. This is usually indicted by a small closed padlock on the bottom right of the screen.
- If you think someone has used your credit or debit card fraudulently on the web, inform your card issuer as quickly as possible.
- If you buy goods or services from a trader using your credit card, by law the credit card company are jointly liable for a breach of contract if the cost of the goods or service was more than £100 or less than £30,000.
- Be aware that most genuine brands do not sell via auction sites.
- If trader reviews are available, read them and help others by adding your own for goods that you have purchased.
- Check to see if the seller is a member of a trust scheme, such as Internet Shopping Is Safe (ISIS) or Safebuy, as a sign that the retailer is committed to good practice.
- Last Updated: 20/11/2008
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