Safe online shopping: 5 tips to consider

In the UK, over 80% of the population make e-commerce purchases.¹ But how many consider their online safety?

This article includes tips, suggestions and general information. We recommend that you always do your own research and consider getting independent tax, financial and legal advice before making any important decision.

To help you shop safely online, consider the below best practices:

• Knowing your rights as a buyer.
• Using safe online shopping websites.
• Viewing privacy statements.
• Verifying company contact information.
• Checking online reviews to help you make safe purchases.

Read on to learn more.

1.Know your rights as a buyer

Safe online shopping starts with knowing your rights as a buyer.

Here are some tips for online shopping and buyer protection:

• Consumer rights: generally, the products you purchase online should meet the requirements under consumer protection laws. There are ways to get help if things go wrong, such as receiving faulty goods.²
• Transparent pricing: Online sellers are typically required to display the total price of goods or services, including any taxes.³
• Secure payment: Online stores should provide secure payment options to help protect your financial information.
• Privacy and data protection: Online businesses are required to handle your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
• Dispute resolution: If you encounter problems with a purchase, you can seek a resolution. You could consider calling a helpline to get advice. If a complaint is referred to local Trading Standards Officers, they may investigate on your behalf.⁴
• Report unauthorised charges or payments: If you notice unauthorised charges or suspect fraudulent activity on your bank card or account, you can consider reporting it to your financial services provider. You could also consider reporting suspected fraud to Action Fraud.

2.Consider using safe websites

Using safe online shopping websites can help provide increased protection when making purchases in the digital world.

You could consider the below factors when trying to determine if a website is safe and legitimate:

• Secure connection: Shop from websites with a secure connection, indicated by a padlock icon in the browser's address bar (usually accompanied by "https" in the URL).
• Return and refund policies: Legitimate businesses will normally have clear and fair return and refund policies.
• Trusted payment methods: Reliable online businesses will likely offer trusted payment methods. Be cautious of websites that only accept unconventional payment methods or ask for direct bank transfers.
• Professional website design: While not a foolproof measure, a professionally designed website may suggest that a business is reputable and invested in providing a positive user experience.
• Trustmarks and certifications: Trust marks or certifications may indicating that a business has undergone security and reliability assessments by reputable third-party organisations.

It is possible for scammers to mimic the above signs of being a safe website. Always act with caution, be vigilant, and consider all risks before making an online purchase.

3.Read and understand privacy notices

Carefully review the privacy notice when shopping online. Generally, businesses are legally required to disclose why they’re processing people’s personal data, how long they’ll be keeping it for, and who they’ll be sharing it with.⁵ Privacy notices are sometimes known as ‘fair processing information’ and ‘privacy information’.

4.Look for the address and phone number of the business

Legitimate businesses will normally provide clear and accessible contact information, including things such as customer care contact details, a physical address (if applicable), phone number, and/or email.

If a business address seems suspicious or does not match the nature of the business, it may indicate fraud. Likewise, confirming a valid phone number and reaching out to enquire about the business may provide peace of mind.

5.Consider checking online reviews

Reviews can provide insight into current or past customers’ experience with a business. This may help a potential customer to gauge the reputation and reliability of a business. Typically, if other shoppers have had negative incidents with a specific company — including fraud — they might post about it online to warn others. It’s possible that some reviews may not be legitimate, so it’s a good idea to exercise caution and consider all factors when deciding to shop at an online store.

By taking the right precautions, it is possible to buy with confidence and enjoy safe online shopping.