• Payment: If your credit or debit card is used fraudulently in the EU, the card company must refund you.
• Websites: Use ones you know or which are recommended - or look for the TrustUK logo. Get the supplier's phone number and postal address.
• Records: Keep a copy of what you've ordered, plus the supplier's confirmation message.
• Quality: Your high street consumer rights apply online.
• Cooling off: In many cases in the EU the law lets you change your mind and get a refund within 7 working days of the delivery.

Your high street rights apply
Your high street rights apply equally when buying over the internet as when shopping on the high street. So remember, goods must be of satisfactory quality and adverts and descriptions must not be misleading.

Technology helps
Look for a closed padlock sign at the bottom of the screen. It shows that your details are protected when being sent through a secure line.

Buying from abroad
If you buy from traders in EU countries you have many of the rights you have in the UK. Be aware that in the USA and elsewhere problems could be more difficult to sort out - so check the small print. Any international complaints can be directed to Econsumer.gov, or alternatively the Office of Fair Trading website provides helpful information. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help with EU complaints.

Duties and Taxes
In the EU, VAT is handled by the supplier but in the USA and the rest of the world you may need to pay customs, excise duties and VAT. HM Customs and Excise has useful advice.

Safe payment
If you use your credit card to buy online and the goods fail to arrive or are faulty, the card company should refund you for any single item costing over £100. For further information visit the Association for Payment Clearing Services or the Office of Fair Trading websites.

Data protection and unwanted e-mail
Remember, if you do not want your personal details to be used for direct marketing, you have the right to object. Your internet service provider or the Direct Marketing Association's e-mail preference service may be able to help.

Top Tips

• Check Delivery Times Make sure that you check out the recommended last delivery dates when you place your order to avoid any possible disappointment.
• Pay by Credit Card This will give you added protection because if you buy goods between the value of £100 and £30,000, your credit card issuer becomes jointly responsible for the goods you buy. So if the goods arrive damaged or you experience any problems receiving a refund, the credit card company will assist you.
• Check for the yellow Padlock You will find this padlock at the bottom right hand side of your screen. You will also often receive a prompt box to let you know that you are entering a secure area of a site.
• Keep Your Personal Information safe Don't hand over any personal information that isn't necessary and if this concerns you, you are protected by the 1998 Data Protection Act.
• Look For Contact Details If you do decide to shop elsewhere, beware of any online stores that fail to reveal information about themselves.
• Check the Returns Policy Make sure that you check a merchant's returns policy before you buy. Such as who pays for it, but if the goods are faulty, the store should pay all postage costs. It is important to keep any original packing. Plus don't forget that under the Distance Selling Regulations, you do have a seven-day-cooling-off period in case you change your mind.
• Hidden Costs - Be Aware Make sure that you take into account delivery charges and VAT (if not included in the overall price) when making a purchase.
• Keep a copy of your Confirmation Documents After you have made an online purchase you will receive a confirmation email within about one working day. It is important that you print this information out and keep a note of your unique order reference number.
• Know Your Rights You have exactly the same rights as in a high street shop. The goods should fit the product description and be as satisfactory as described online. To gain more comprehensive information about this take a look at the Office of Fair Trading web site.