Guide to Safe Online Shopping
by: Zoink
Despite the many benefits of shopping online, many people still have some reluctance towards parting with their cash on the net, therefore weกve compiled a general checklist and answers to the most common questions to help put your mind at rest.
Vendor Checklist
If the answer is no to any of these question then do not purchase from the retailer in question.
Do they have a secure server?
Are their contact details clearly visible on the site?
Are their contact details authentic?
Do you trust them?
How Do I Know Iกm in a Secure Server?
Whilst in a secure server a closed padlock symbol should be visible somewhere along the bottom of your browser, you should also notice that the beginning of the site address will have changed from http:// to https:// again signifying that you are on a secure server.
It should be noted that a large majority of sites only make use of their secure server during the payment procedure.
Note about Actinic Sites
Please note: shopping sites powered by the Actinic software use a 128bit encryption Java applet to encrypt credit card information this method is approved for merchants account holders at Barclays Bank, HSBC and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Always email the retailer in question if you have any doubts.
Helpful Hints
Always keep a copy of the order confirmation .
Always read the small print.
Contact the retailer if you have any questions or doubts.
Never shop with a retailer you don’t trust, no matter how good their prices.
Useful sites:
Office of Fair Trading
www.oft.gov.uk
Includes helpful online shopping advice.
Trust UK
www.trustuk.org.uk
Nonprofit organisation endorsed by the Government to enable consumers to buy online with confidence
Trading Standards
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
Offers consumer protection information in the UK.
The Consumer Gateway
www.consumer.gov.uk
Offers sound advice for consumers.
© 2003 Zoink UK Shopping Directory
You may freely distribute this article in electronic form providing this copyright notice and hyperlink is also retained.
About The Author
Zoink is a brand new shopping directory aiming to index only the best online retailers in the UK.
This article was posted on November 23, 2003
by Zoink