Advice on avoiding being conned over the internet

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s trading standards team, said: “Online shopping can be a quick and easy way of purchasing goods, but buyers need to do their homework and make sure the websites they are buying from are legitimate and secure before making payment. It may be boring, but reading the terms and conditions can also save a lot of time and hassle further down the line.”

Buyers should know the business they are purchasing from - all companies must display their details, including name or registered number.

They should find out where it is based, and how to contact them, beware of deals that seem ‘too good to be true’, become familiar with online rights and pay by credit cards or PayPal with items over £100 for more consumer protection.

Also, make sure personal and payment details are encrypted - the website address at the point of payment should begin ‘https’ and the browser will display a padlock logo next to it.

The report a problem phone the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.