1. A professional looking web site does not mean the company is law abiding so don’t be complacent.

2. Make sure the company has listed their contact details so you can get in touch with them easily if you need to. Check to see if an email address and a telephone number are included. Do not place an order with an online shop who does not display their contact details.

3. Make sure the site offers secure payment. A secure site shows a padlock to the right of the site address on your browser or at the bottom of the payment screen. Any page which asks you for details of your credit card should have “https://” in the address as “s” stands for secure. If this is missing check the shop’s ”secure payment” information carefully.

4. Take your time. Check out the terms and conditions, returns policy and privacy statement.

5. The internet is a wealth of new and exciting places to shop. If you are ordering from a merchant you don’t know and everything checks out but you’re still nervous then make a small order first to build your confidence or telephone first and ask a random question, for example whether the item is in stock.

6. If the company you are buying from is not based in the UK check that they deliver here before you get involved in the order process and make sure the delivery charge is reasonable.

7. If you pay by credit card and your transaction is over £100 your credit card company may offer extra protection, check out the terms and conditions of your credit card provider.

8. NEVER disclose your credit card PIN. This is not a necessary part of ANY transaction. You may be asked for the 3 digit security number on the signature strip of your credit card, which is an extra security measure to make sure that some one hasn’t got hold of your card number, but you should never give out you PIN.

9. Keep records of your transaction (eg print out your receipt).

10. Mistakes do happen. Some times even reputable companies have a bad day (they’re staffed by ordinary people just like you and me) so give them chance to solve the issue but if it isn’t sorted out you can contact your local trading standards department.

CLICK HERE to read the Consumer Direct fact sheet “Safe Shopping On The Internet”