FOOL'S EYE VIEW
It's Safer Than You Think

By Jane Mack (TMFJane)
December 3, 2001

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my plans to do all my Christmas shopping online rather than face the horrendous and inevitable crowds. It's something Government is trying to encourage too with the launch of a campaign to reassure consumers that they can buy their presents as safely from the Web as they can on the High Street.

More people shop online in the UK than in any other country in Europe. Those of us who've tried it know that it's quick and convenient and goodness only knows how much easier it is to search for bargains or unusual items on the Net than it is to traipse from shop to shop looking for that special something.

But a Mori poll conducted on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry revealed that although just over a quarter of us have bought something online over the last 12 months, many are still rather wary of the idea. Nearly half of those questioned voiced concerns about credit card fraud and nearly a third don't particularly like giving out personal information on the Web.

In fact, the survey illustrates that perceptions of security risks on the Internet turned out to be far worse than actual experience. Some 44% of Internet users said they had heard rumours or press reports about credit card fraud on the Internet but among Internet users, only 3% say they have ever had personal experience of card fraud on the net. This compares to 5% of them who say they have experienced credit card fraud offline.

In an effort to persuade first-timers to take the leap, the DTI has joined forces with business and consumer organisations to provide some guidance on e-shopping for consumers. The fact is you have just the same rights over the Internet when shopping within the EU as you do on the High Street so as long as you're sensible about it, you shouldn't have a problem.

Under the consumer protection laws, all goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for their purpose and as described. The same goes for anything you buy from a shop on the Internet. And since October 2000 some extra regulations have been introduced, the Distance Selling Regulations, which give consumers rights to information and cooling off periods, plus protection against unwanted e-mails. In most cases you even have seven working days to change your mind and cancel an order (and any related credit agreement).

The one most people worry about though is credit card fraud. But just as in 'real life' shopping, if someone else makes dishonest or fraudulent use of your payment card for e-shopping you can cancel the payment and the card issuer must refund the money to your account. Obviously you need to tell the card issuer as soon as possible if you find someone has used your card details dishonestly but you should get your money back. This also applies to debit cards too but the key thing is make sure you look for the closed padlock sign at the bottom of your screen. It shows that your details are protected when being sent.

You have fewer rights if you buy privately or at auction but overall the message is that it's safe to buy over the Internet as long as you follow the basic, common-sense guidelines outlined by the DTI. So why not give it a go this Christmas?

More information: Your rights as a consumer | Preventing credit card fraud