How to stay safe shopping online

Buying Christmas gifts online should be quick and easy. Find out how to make sure things don't go wrong.

This Monday is Manic Monday, which means millions of us will start doing our online Christmas shopping tomorrow. And why not? After all it means no crowds, queues or carrying heavy bags on the bus home. A few clicks and it's all done and within days your gifts will turn up on your doorstep... Or will they?

Pretty much everyone seems to do at least some of their Christmas shopping online these days either because it's easier or because the best bargains are to be found on the internet. You can find out more about saving money on festive gifts by watching our Cut the cost of Christmas shopping video.

But knowing the retailers you're buying from are legitimate and staying safe online are vital. Otherwise you could end up with no presents to give anyone or, worse, finding that fraudsters are using your credit card to fund their own festivities.

Here's how to stay safe online this Christmas.

Can you trust the site?

One way to find the best online bargains it to use an online comparison tool like pricegrabber.co.uk or kelkoo.co.uk. However you might find these sites direct you to a retailer you've never heard of for the best price for your product. So how do you know the site you're buying from is legit?

First use a directory such as safebuy.org.uk or shopsafe.co.uk. These directories check out sites before listing them and test them for things like prices, site security and delivery.

If it's not listed it doesn't mean the site's going to be dodgy - you're just going to have to carry out your own investigations. Check whether the site displays a UK phone number and contact address and if you call the number whether you actually get through to a real person.

Security

For safe shopping retail websites should display the padlock symbol in the browser and the website address should begin with 'https' rather than just 'http'.

Make sure you register your cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode when prompted if you haven't done so already. It is quick and easy and offers another level of protection. Cardholders can sign up to Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode at the website of the bank or card company that issues their card, or when they are shopping online at participating merchants. It means that when you use these cards to shop online you'll have to enter a password for your payment to be accepted.

As well as keeping your cards safe, it's important to keep your PC safe too. Make sure you have the latest operating system, browser and up-to-date anti-virus software. If someone else uses your PC or you use one in a café or library, always log out as soon as you've finished shopping online. Make a note of the confirmation number of your order or print a copy of the confirmation.

If you're splashing out on presents that cost more than £100, pay by credit card. This means you'll have extra protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act in the event of things going wrong or the retailer going bust.

Delivery and returns

There are two things you need to take into account regarding delivery of your Christmas shopping.

Firstly, when is it going to be delivered? Check whether an item's in stock before you commit to buying it. You won't be popular if you turn up on Christmas day with just vague promises of a present that failed to arrive in time.

Secondly, check if there's an extra charge for delivery and take this into account when comparing the cost of items. Some sites offer free delivery while others charge a fee.

Also take the time to understand the refund policies for any online retailer you are planning to buy from, especially if they are not based in the UK. Make sure you are comfortable with the refund and return postage policies or compensation that you would get if something were to go wrong.

By law online retailers have to give you seven days to return your gifts but others offer longer returns periods.

Getting the best deal

The internet makes it easy to compare prices without traipsing from shop to shop with a notebook and pen. Shopping comparison sites such as pricegrabber.co.uk are good for comparing deals. Next check whether you can get money off your purchases by using a cashback site. My colleague Rachel Robson explains how they work in this article. 

You can also make some money by using a cashback card to do your Christmas shopping. Check out the best cards to use here.

Of course, you should try not to run up debts over the Christmas period, epsecially if you're using a cashback card. You don't want the cash you earn on your spending to be completely wiped out by interest charges. But if you do have to put your shopping on plastic and you can't afford to repay it in full straightaway, join our Pay of your credit card debts goal in the New year for tops tips for clearing it all in double quick time.

And finally, if you have a concern about shopping on the internet, why not wander over to Q and A and ask other lovemoney.com readers for help. And please feel free to warn others if you have dodgy online retail experience.

More: Cut the cost of your Xmas shopping | The best way to shop online