Online shoppers warned to be vigilant

The SIC’s trading standards service is warning people in Shetland to be more vigilant than ever about fake websites and those selling counterfeit goods.

To mark the start of National e-Consumer Week, staff highlighted research from the Trading Standards Institute which found that three quarters of people feel unsafe when they shop online.

More than half (63 per cent) fear their card or bank details will get stolen, 10 per cent worry their item will not arrive and six per cent are concerned the item will turn out to be a fake.

The council’s environment spokesman, Jim Henry, said: “Our trading standards service is making a special effort this year to help Shetland’s young people to stay safe online by running safe internet shopping quizzes in our secondary schools.”

Trading standards manager David Marsh said: “This survey gives a snapshot of some of the problems that people are facing. However, we want to re-assure people that they can shop safely online by making sure they follow our check list first.”

Choose your shopping sites carefully; help yourself by thinking about the price, the place you are buying from and packaging; ensure the site is secure (look for https and the padlock);
contact the police if you spot something suspicious; 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 via email.

Further advice is also available from www.shetland.gov.uk/tradingstandards