B) Read some tips on online shopping

The internet has expanded our choices of where and when to shop, but it also has its hazards. Here are some things that you should think about before becoming an Internet shopper.

It is safer to buy from reputable companies, so do a little research on the company before making your purchase. Check carefully all the contact details of the company. Look for a street address and a landline telephone number, not just an e-mail address. Also, consider any extra costs – things like shipping costs and taxes – that you may have to pay and decide if it’s actually worthwhile buying online.

Generally, people pay for online goods with credit cards. Make sure that the site is secure. At the bottom of the page, you should see a small ‘s’ – which stands for ‘secure’ – along with a picture of a padlock. Make sure you keep copies of the order form and the acknowledgment notice that you receive.

When you buy online, you have the same legal rights as when you buy in a store. However, it’s very important to read all the terms and conditions of the sale before you buy.

Always check your bank statement after making a purchase and make sure that only the amount that you paid has been deducted from your balance.

Each country has its own consumer affairs offices that should be able to advise you if you find that you have been cheated while shopping online. The most important thing to remember is ‘if in doubt, don’t buy.’