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Shopping on the Internet can be quick and convenient. Internet shoppers can also make the most of discounts. And yes, I do believe it's SAFE - as long as you follow a few basic rules which have a lot to do with common sense. These include:

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PURCHASES AS CAREFULLY AS YOU CAN

Sounds obvious, but when you buy something (anything) on the Internet, keep a PAPER copy of your receipt in a file. That way you can check when the item arrives that it is in fact EXACTLY what you have ordered. It has happened to me several times that one item in my order with a particular company has not currently been in stock and so my order was delivered in two halves. This is fine, I feel - as long as an explanation is offered and no extra postal charges are incurred.

BEFORE YOU BUY

Check that the company you are buying from has a reasonable returns policy. Sometimes discount items or items in the 'Sale' will not be included in this, and you will be unable to send them back. Check the small print BEFORE you buy.

USE A TAPE MEASURE!

Slow down when you are making a purchase and check the purchase details on your screen several times. If you are buying an item of furniture for example, you need to measure up to make sure it really fits in the space you have available, otherwise you're wasting time and money! Don't just go by the picture. Likewise, even the purchase of a pair of trousers is made easier if you check inside leg measurements with care.

CHECK DELIVERY CHARGES AND V.A.T

Make sure you take full advantage of free delivery offers and discount codes. Is V.A.T included in the price or added later? Make sure you keep an eye on this at the check out.

UNPACKING THE ITEM

Again, it sounds obvious, but keep the original packaging intact first of all and keep hold of the returns label. Check that the item is the correct size and/or colour and make sure it is in good condition. There's always a chance it has been damaged in transit. Your purchase may be subject to guarantee and once again, in the rush to unpack an item, don't lose this, but put it safely in a file. You might need it if the item breaks down.

USE A REPUTABLE COMPANY

There are various certification schemes which indicate that the company in question is using enhanced security measures and keeping your bank/credit card details safe. In the U.K these are often indicated by a padlock on the right hand side of your screen, but these systems are updated all the time, so keep up to date with the latest and best. Paypal is generally a good bet and using it means you don't have to hand over your credit card/bank details to every company you shop with.

Some credit cards have their own insurance schemes for Internet purchases, so do take advantage of these and check your own credit card company policy.

CHECK YOUR BANK STATEMENTS

Finally, if you buy on the internet you should take the time to check that the transactions coming off your card and your bank account actually correspond to the purchases you've made. I shop a lot on the internet and check mine every day. It only takes a few minutes. Don't skimp on this, as it will provide an additional safeguard which stops fraudsters in their tracks.

Learn more about this author, Frances Laing.
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