Good practice in e-tailing
Top tips for consumers
Shopping on line
There are a number of useful websites that contain information and tips to help you shop safely online. Brief descriptions and links to some of the sites are below:
The Consumer Direct website provides advice for consumers in its online shopping section. This advice includes:
Before you buy
paying for goods online
What to do if things go wrong
Tips for buying online
Getting a copy
All the information is available on the on line shopping page on the Consumer Direct website
More information
From the Consumer Helpline on 0845 04 05 06. For a Welsh speaking adviser 0845 04 05 05. Minicom users 08451 28 13 84.
The Office of Fair Trading produces a leaflet on shopping from home, including advice on shopping over the internet. The tips include:
- Your distance shopping rights explained
- simple tips to avoid problems
- what to do if things go wrong
Getting a copy
The leaflet is available to download from the OFT website.
The Department for business, enterprise and regulatory reform (formerly that Department for Trade and Industry) has produced a leaflet on Safe internet shopping. It includes:
- Safe payments
- Online protection
- Buying from abroad
Getting a copy
View the leaflet on the BERR website
The Cardwatch website also offers tips for internet shopping including advice on security.
Getting a copy
Tips for internet shopping is available on the Cardwatch website
Internet Auctions
As with any other online shopping, when you are shopping through internet auctions you should keep safety in mind.
The Consumer Direct website provides advice about shopping through Internet Auction websites - particularly on how to avoid fraud. Includes advice on:
before bidding
top tips to avoid fraud
your legal rights
Getting a copy
In the online shopping section of the Consumer Direct website
Avoiding fraud in internet auctions.
The Metropolitan Police have issued specific advice to help people using internet sites to avoid fraud. Information includes:
- basic advice
- payment advice for buyers and sellers
- protecting your account security
Read the information on the Metropolitan Police website
Last update: Monday, June 23, 2008