Internet shopping has transformed the way consumers shop. Follow our top tips to ensure your internet experience is the best, and safest it can be.

Look for symbols

If you are shopping on a secure e-shopping site look for little padlocks or unbroken keys at the bottom of the screen. This means that the financial data you are entering is being encrypted or scrambled so that it can’t be read while in transit.

Find the logos

Look for websites which have signed up to voluntary codes of practise, for example “Which?” magazine or Trust UK.

Check the address

The start of the URL web address will change from http:// to https:// if the site is a secure site.

Buy British

If you buy from a UK website then you are protected, as a consumer, by the same consumer rights as if you were purchasing in a shop. The only exception to this is if you buy from an individual who is not a seller or business. Ensure your seller has a physical address and telephone number – a P.O. Box number is not enough. Read the terms and conditions so you are fully aware of their policy in relation to returns.

Use a credit card

Always use a credit card when you are shopping online - something that is particulary important when you are buying high value items. See the credit card section for more information.

Print off any confirmation emails

This ensures you have proof of purchase in the same way that a receipt would for a normal sale.