Tips for Safe Online Shopping – make sure it’s safe!

Find out the important considerations to bear in mind when shopping safely online. Also check out our page on the ISIS scheme for more details on a scheme for retailers, which gives you more confidence when buying online.

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Choose a reputable retailer Look for contact details Check delivery times Check total costs Check the returns policy

Look for the padlock icon Pay by credit card Print and save confirmation documents Know your rights

• Choose a reputable retailer
  If you haven't heard of a retailer before, read reviews to find out what other consumers thought of their service.



• Look for contact details
  Some online retailers do not provide sufficient contact details about themselves. Never buy from anyone who only has an email address listed. Make sure you print and save a telephone number and postal address.



• Check delivery times
  Check the delivery dates before you place your order to make sure your product will arrive in time.

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• Check total costs
  Make sure you check the total costs when ordering online - often delivery is charged on top of the initial price listed.



• Check the returns policy
  Check the retailers returns policy to find out what you need to do if the goods arrive faulty.



• Look for the padlock icon
  Always make sure that the internet connection is secure when you're providing personal and payment information. You will see a little padlock icon at the bottom of your web browser and often websites will tell you that you're entering a secure area of the site.
• Have the research to hand in the shop
  This will help with negotiations.

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• Pay by credit card
  Paying by credit card will give you extra protection for anything you buy over the value of £100.00. So in case your product arrives damaged or you have problems, your credit card company will help you rectify the problem.



• Print and save confirmation documents
  Once you have made an online purchase, you will receive a confirmation order number or email. It is important that you print and save this information in case you need to chase up the order.



• Know your rights
  When you buy online, you have exactly the same rights as in a high street shop. More information can be found at the Office of Fair Trading website - www.oft.gov.uk.

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