Tips

• Like any other CNP (Card Not Present) transaction, shopping online does carry a small risk. Card details could be stolen and used for fraudulent purchases. Information could be pieced together to commit identity theft and deals that appear too good to be true often are, and or carry high risks. Always use cards offering online fraud protection like Egg (http://www.egg.com) and only buy from reputable providers. If in doubt, do not part with your details. Remember, you are more likely to be a victim of card fraud offline rather than online.
  
• Always use a credit card to complete transactions. The card issuer and the retailer are equally liable if something goes wrong for purchases for sums between £100 - £30,000.
  
• Never go online without an updated firewall on your computer and antivirus or anti spyware programmes running. Tests have shown that an unprotected computer left connected to the internet for 24 hours will almost always be broken into by hackers and infected with at least one virus during that time, risking your data and identity security.
  
• Beware of deals that appear too good to be true because they probably are scams. Shop at well known online outlets for your own security and do search for the name of the stores on a search engine or in consumer forums/magazines for consumer feedback about them.
  
• If in doubt, back out. Do not complete a transaction unless you are absolutely confident it is secure and legitimate. If you have completed a transaction and have second thoughts, call your bank and ask them to cancel the transaction as soon as you can.
  

To learn more about how to be protected online, why not read our security & safety guides

Buying online

e-Business and the law

Online transactions