Buying online

Advice on safe online shopping can be found at Citizens Advice consumer service [external link] or telephone 08454 04 05 06.

Darlington Trading Standards is warning the public to be more vigilant than ever about websites selling counterfeit goods, or sites which turn out to be fake and disappear with people’s hard-earned cash.

Follow the CHECKlist:

C Choose your shopping sites carefully

H Help yourself by thinking about the price, the place you are buying from and packaging

E Ensure the site is secure (look for https and the padlock)

C Contact trading standards or the police if you spot something suspicious

K Keep a copy of your order, details of the website and acknowledgements

Also ensure the website has a postal address for the trader and use a credit card for payments over £100, but never send your card or pin details by email.

Advice on safe online shopping can be found on Consumer Direct [external link] on 08454 04 05 06.