Internet shoppers beware

The officers say they want to make sure internet shoppers know their rights when seeking out festive bargains.

Principal trading standards officer Alison Wheeler said some 27 million shoppers nationwide would spend more than 30bn when they went online to search for festive money-savers.

'But a worrying percentage will be in the dark about their basic consumer rights and responsibilities,' she said.

Findings from a recent Office of Fair Trading market study revealed online buyers lacked knowledge about how to cancel an order, how to get a refund, and how to check online traders met legal obligations.

'The internet is a fantastic marketplace for UK shoppers, but consumers could do more to protect themselves and get a better deal,' said Ms Wheeler.

'Consumer Direct, the telephone and online consumer advice service that works with trading standards services, has published advice on its website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

'Internet shoppers can get some fantastic deals and can access a whole new world of choice.

'However, it is still important to be careful.

'We encourage shoppers to use sites that have been recommended, check where traders are based and read the small print.'