Internet scams

The Office of Fair Trading has published a list of warning signs, which may indicate an Internet scams. The list of warning signs should help inform and educate people who plan to shop on the Internet. While the majority of online sites are genuine, the fact remains that users can never be 100% sure of the trust worthiness of an online business. Therefore, it's worthwhile for users to be educated about Internet scams. Most of the household retail names eg, Comet and Dixons, usually have security certificates and guarantees about security. So, as long as you are shopping on their genuine Web address, there is little to worry about. Where you should be careful, is when you are shopping from Independent sites you have no knowledge about. According to The Office of Fair Trading, if the site meets any of the following criteria, it should automatically raise a warning bell.

- The site does not clearly state their trading address, and uses a post office box address.

- Deals highlighted in Capital letters. Capital letters are viewed as 'shouting' in Internet netiquette, a practice which may be viewed as rude. Therefore, few bespoke retailers would consider such an abrupt approach to marketing their products. It can be a suspicious warning sign.

- An offer which states a free service, but down the line there is a hidden cost involved.

- References from previous customers. Unless the site clearly states their home address, you have no way of knowing if the customer actually exists.

- A site which states it's offer is not a scam or a trick. Ask yourself, would a legitimate retailer try to convince you they are legal business.

- Offers of get rich quick schemes, which invariable promise some kind of secret to making money. Of course, a secret which will cost you money.