INTERNET
SHOPPING
More than 20 million people in the UK now shop on the internet –
most transactions will be successful but around 1 person in 20 will
be the victim of on line fraud according to a recent survey. eBay
has become the world's largest shopping centre with more than 42
million registered users.
A young man contacted On Your Behalf because he put his digital
camera up for sale on the internet auction site eBay. He thought
he’d taken steps to protect himself but in spite of his best
efforts he’s been victim to a fraudster
So how can YOU shop on
the internet and be sure your money is safe? Here are tips to make
sure you don't fall victim to internet crime.
KNOW YOUR FACTS
BEFORE you buy, you have a right to certain information, including
a description of the goods or services, the price including any
taxes, arrangements for payment and delivery costs. If any of these
are missing, try and find the information before proceeding, so
you don't get stung for any hefty costs later on.
BEWARE OF THIRD PARTIES
WEBSITES like eBay and Amazon have guidelines to help buyers protect
themselves, so make sure you follow them. Also speak to the seller,
if possible, and to other customers who have bought from them.
HOW TO PAY
ALWAYS pay by credit card or through the site's secure system. Credit
card companies are jointly liable with the seller if something you
buy is faulty, not as it was described, or fails to be delivered.
Some also give purchase protection insurance, which covers your
goods for breakage, loss or theft.
DELIVERY TIMES
OFTEN the website you are buying from will give a delivery time,
usually ranging from two days up to 30 days. If no delivery time
is given, then delivery should be within 30 days. If the order is
not delivered within this time, you are entitled to cancel the order.
IF IT GOES WRONG
CONTACT the website - or the seller if you are buying from a third
party - and explain the problem. If they refuse to help or can't
be reached, your local Citizens Advice Bureau, trading standards,
or Consumer Advice Centre can tell you what you need to do next
- such as take legal action.
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