Tips on Internet purchasing Use a secure website Do NOT make paymants by credit card or debit card unless you use a secure web site to enter the card information. You should look for a padlock symbol in the bottom right of the browser window and for the website address to begin with ‘https://’ . Your address bar may turn green when you are on a secure site. This means that you are using the latest browser technology and the shop has the latest website security.  This is known as an Extended Validation SSL Certificate. However, the padlock is not an absolute guarantee of safety. If you get a warning about a certificate be very cautious indeed. The padlock is no guarantee that the the business is trading ethically. The first time you trade with a business always click on the padlock to check that the seller is who they say they are. Also check that their certificate is current and registered to the right address. Warnung - If a padlock appears on the web page itself leave the site immediately. What are the risks? Buying goods or services that are not delivered or supplied. Buying goods or services which do not match the description. Experiencing poor after-sales service.  Experiencing delivery delays or being unable to contact the seller.   Fraud or other misuse of your credit or debit card details. How to avoid problems. Pick good sellers. When buying from private individuals always try to check them out first. If they don't have a physical address and telephone contact details you have to wonder why. Jusy because they have a website it doe not mean they are trustworthy.  Be very cautious when buying from companies overseas.  Always check sellers’ privacy policy and returns policy. Never give card payment detail unless there is an appropriate, safe means of online payment.

Scams – What to look out for.   Advice from Consumer Direct (funded by the UK Government) Every day, people throughout the UK are falling victim to scams of one kind or another. It could be an unexpected prize draw or lottery win, or a chance to invest in an exciting new money-making or investment programme. But remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scams are dishonest attempts to part you with your money. Scams may reach you in the form of letters, emails, telephone calls and text messages and take many forms including fake lotteries, miracle health goods, bogus holidays, phoney job offers, pyramid schemes, internet fraud and financial scams. Look out for these warning signs if something seems too good to be true: §         Was the offer unsolicited? §         Do I have to make a purchase to win a prize? §         Why do I have to respond at once? What's the rush? §         Do I have to give my bank or credit card details? §         Am I being asked to keep it confidential? §         Do I have to ring a premium rate number? §         Is the business reluctant to give their address or contact details? §         Does it seem too good to be true? Useful Tips Follow these useful tips to safeguard yourself from scammers: §         Ask them for full contact details, including the street address of the company and Post Code. §         Always take notes of conversations, including names, dates and times §         Read letters carefully and seek professional advice before signing anything. [Ask an accountant or solicitor if significant amounts of money or responsibilities are involved] §         Independently verify any claims made. These can be by a sales person, investment adviser or advertisement. In the UK, all companies must be registered with companies House. §         Always read the small print on any documentation and be sure you understand all the terms and conditions of any offer made to you. §         Take your time to make a decision and resist any urge to 'act now' – again do not sign anything “on-the-spot”. §         Don't provide any personal or financial information before you establish the company is legitimate. §         Never give PIN numbers to anyone – ever. §         Don't judge a company or sales person by how professional they or their promotional material seems. They may just be well trained to extract your agreement. §         Don't ever be afraid to ask questions.  Don't let embarrassment or fear prevent you from reporting fraud or abuse to the approriate authorities §         Never pay for a 'free' gift. It sounds obvious but if it's a 'free' gift, you shouldn't have to pay for it.   There are many useful organisations, in particular you might want to consider: §         The Mailing Preference Service to request that unsolicited mail addressed to you be stopped. §         Telephone Preference Service to request that unsolicited phone calls be stopped. §         Companies House to check whether a company has been registered and is trading legitimately within the UK. §         The charities commission where they can advise you whether a charity is genuine. §         Check the following website for advice about being safe on the internet www.getsafeonline.org If you think you have been the victim of a scam please call Consumer Direct for advice on 08454 040506.    You can also report it to Consumer Direct on their 'Report a scam' pages. This helps them collect information about current scams, and may help prevent other people falling victim.