Buying and selling items on the internet is quick, easy and offers a wide range of choice. Here are a few simple steps to follow to ensure you stay safe whilst shopping online:
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Always buy from a reputable site, read through their terms and conditions and always remember to log out when you have finished.
- If using an internet auction site, check the seller's reputation and take time to read the guides issued by them
- If goods are advertised substantially cheaper than elsewhere, be careful as it may not be genuine
- If buying from a private seller make sure you have full contact details and not just an email and mobile phone number
- Be wary of sending cash and money order. It is advisable when paying over £100 to use a credit card as it offers the best protection in case anything goes wrong.
- When entering payment details make sure the website is secure; a small padlock should appear at the bottom of the screen and the URL should read https://- the 's' stands for secure.
- Consider using an online payment option such as PayPal.
- Never pay by direct bank transfer.
- Avoid using public wi-fi when online shopping, hackers can intercept passwords and credit card details.
Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud reporting centre; if you come across something suspicious when shopping online or something seems too good to be true, you can report it via their website. Additionally, the UK European Consumer Centre (UKECC) provides free and impartial advice for anyone who experiences problems when purchasing goods in other European countries. Please see links to this and Action Fraud in the related information section.
