Tips for shopping online
Shop safely online
Avoid getting ripped-off online
Make sure you buy from a reputable company
Things to check that it is a reputable company include:
- How to contact them. Do they have an actual address and phone number and contact email address? Call them before you buy if you are unsure of their reputation
- You can check if a website is secure if it starts with ‘https://’ and has a golden padlock in its web browser. The padlock must be in the web browser, not on the actual website page
- Make sure you know their privacy policy and returns policy before you buy anything
Online auctions
- Understand how the online auction works before you sign up to buy or sell. Read the auction’s safety tips and terms & conditions thoroughly
- Check out the buyer/seller by asking them questions. A few things that makes it easier to identify a good seller include the description of what they’re selling – is it clear and detailed, their rating and feedback from other buyers, they should accept a variety of payment methods
- If buying from overseas check your consumer rights and if you need to pay any extra VAT or shipping costs
- Never give out your password or any more personal details than you have to
Payment
- Choose a safe method of payment such as PayPal or credit/debit card
- Money transfer, such as Western Union or MoneyGram is not recommended for online auction or online shop payments
