Features

1 - Before you shop, ensure that your PC has a firewall and up-to-date anti-virus software. Go into your browser settings and select the highest level of security and notification.

2 - Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card. You'll be protected under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 if the transaction goes wrong. The Association of Payment Clearing Services (APACS) also suggests that you use a separate credit card specifically for online transactions.

3 - Sign up with an identity-checking service such as Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code, which can offer some protection against unauthorised use of your credit card.

4 - Know who you're buying from. Check that the site provides a postal address (not a PO Box) and research this address at Companies House. Find out whether the site is a member of an accreditation scheme such as Internet Shopping is Safe or Safebuy.

5 - When inputting personal details, look for HTTPS in the address window and the padlock or unbroken key symbols in the status bar. These denote a secure connection.

6 - Check the terms and conditions. Is postage included in the cost? Do you have to pay for postal insurance? What is the seller's returns policy?

7 - On eBay, beware of second-chance offers. These can be a phishing scam used to obtain your credit card details. Legitimate second-chance offers come through the 'My Messages' section of your My eBay page, and never through a separate email. For more information on this, visit http://tinyurl.com/y28xqr.

8 - Never use money transfer services such as Western Union to pay for goods. There's no way of getting your money back if the deal goes bad. If a seller asks you to pay this way, they're probably a crook.

9 - Whenever you're shopping online or bidding for goods on eBay, keep hold of everything to do with the transaction - the order confirmation, any emails the company sends you and any communications between you both. These documents will be essential if the transaction goes wrong and you need to claim the money back. Also, print out any important details from the website, such as the returns policy, terms and conditions, postal address and so on. The site may well be taken down if the trader is in trouble, and you'll have nothing to work with.

10 - Get used to checking for evidence of fraud. Scrutinise your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised activity and check your credit rating at least once a year through services such as ww.experian.co.uk, www.equifax.co.uk or www.callcredit.co.uk.