Government urges us to shop online

By Alun Williams

Posted on 26 Nov 2002 at 18:04

The government has issued reminders for 'safe online shopping' in the run up to Christmas.

'Shopping on the Internet can be safe if you follow a few simple rules,' said Consumer Minister Melanie Johnson. 'Our research shows that consumers have greater confidence in the safety of online shopping than they did a year ago. Our checklist for safe Internet shopping aims to help dispel lingering fears about the safety of buying goods on the Internet.'

The government advice for safe shopping includes the following recommendations: using sites you are familiar with, to make a note of the supplier's phone number and postal address, keep copies of the emails and order forms, and to take note of any cooling-off periods you are allowed.

However, a DTI report also highlighted inhibiting factors for online shopping. As well as the issue of credit card fraud (feared by 37 per cent of respondents), the research uncovered widespread concerns about divulging personal information (expressed by 25 per cent), the inability to see and feel products (23 per cent), and the fear that the companies involved may not be genuine (10 per cent).

To help dispel consumer fears, the government is introducing a new phase of its 'e-consumer programme' to support the safe Internet shopping message. This programme includes giving advice on safe online shopping on the government's Consumer Gateway Web site and improving international co-operation over Internet trade (specifically funding the UK end of the European Extra-judicial Network).

The MORI research - involving 4,028 interviews, carried out in October - was funded by the DTI.