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Shopping Safely Online Shopping safely on the Internet

Shopping online has many advantages over high street shopping. It's easy, convenient and you can often find items much cheaper online as online shops have less overheads than high street shops and so can pass the savings on to their customers.

Some advantages of online shopping:

  • Convenient - you shop when you want to 24/7, from your own home
  • Savings - items can usually be found cheaper than the high street
  • Broad Range - you can find almost any item you are looking for online
  • Specialist shopping - you can easily find specialist items online
  • Price Comparison - it is very easy to compare prices online
  • Hassle free - you don't have to wait in queues or find a parking spot

    What to look out for:
    However, online shopping brings it's own concerns and before you start shopping on the Internet you should ask yourself a few questions:

  • Do you trust the vendor?
  • Do they have a 'secure' server?
  • What are their delivery times?
  • Can you contact them if the order goes wrong?
  • Are there any hidden charges?

    Shopping Trolley Most shopping sites use a shopping cart system where you browse the site placing items you want to buy in your virtual shopping trolley. When you are done you continue to the Checkout page (which must be on a secure server) and pay for your items.

    How to tell if you are on a secure server
    You can tell if you are on a secure site by looking at the web address in the address bar of your browser. It should start with https:// and not the usual http:// . The extra 's' denotes the secure server. Never enter your credit card details if the page you are on does not have this as your transaction will not be secure. Also, at the bottom of your web browser, the key or lock will appear locked or highlighted

    Secure Symbols

    Internet Explorer secure site symbol - Internet Explorer symbol

    Netscape secure site symbol - Netscape symbol

    Firefox secure site symbol - Firefox symbol

    Some browsers allow you to alter their appearance (known as theming). This may make the address bar change colour or the padlock may look slightly different or appear in a different place, but you should be able to notice something to indicate you are on a secure site.

    If you cannot see any indication of a secure server DO NOT enter any credit card details. You may wish to email the vendor about this.

    Note about Actinic Sites
    Some shopping sites use a different security method than mentioned above. They use something called Actinic software which is a 128-bit Java applet which safely encrypts credit card information. Actinic software is approved by the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and HSBC for their merchants to use. Email the vendor if you are in any doubt.

    Other safety precautions
    Just like when you use your credit card in shops and petrol stations, so long as you take some basic safety precautions your online shopping will be perfectly safe. You should:

  • Always pay by credit card - this will provide you with some extra protection.
  • Do not leave your computer unattended when shopping online.
  • Log out properly at the end of a transaction.
  • Print out your order confirmation.
  • Check delivery times and prices.
  • Pay attention to shipping costs and VAT, these may be added on at the Checkout stage.
  • Make sure you can contact them if the order goes wrong
  • Check that they have an after sales policy

    Hints & Tips

  • Buy multiple items to save on delivery costs
  • Check GetDiscounts.co.uk before buying to see if you can take advantage of a discount or special offer.
  • Try and get your goods delivered when you will be in.

    Useful Links
    Office of Fair Trading - gives very helpful online shopping advice.
    Trust UK - is a non-profit organisation endorsed by the UK Government to enable consumers to buy online with confidence.
    Trading Standards - for consumer protection information in the UK
    Data Protection Registrar - if you do not want your personal details to be used for direct marketing, you have the right to object.
    The Consumer Gateway - offers information and advice for consumers.
    HM Customs and Excise - good advice on excise duties and VAT if you're buying from outside the UK.
    Review Centre - has consumer reviews of online shops.
    Shop Safe - a guide to safe shops on the Internet.

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