LETTER: Be extra careful when shopping on the web
FAIR Trading is warning shoppers to be extra careful when shopping on the web.
Ballina
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THE convenience of online shopping can be all too enticing, but after receiving thousands of complaints in recent times from people who have been left high and dry by online traders, Fair Trading is warning shoppers to be extra careful when shopping on the web.
Certainly online shopping can be faster, more convenient and often a bit cheaper. But shoppers need to know who they are buying from and their right of return, if the need arises.
On latest figures Fair Trading had received 5810 complaints from online purchasers in 2014/2015, most about request for refunds and the non-delivery of the products purchased.
At least in a local shop we walk out with our purchase and can speak one-on-one if there is a problem.
Online shopping hints are to safeguard personal details, secure your passwords, check web pages for security, pay by card or Paypal, print and keep documents of transactions, check all statements, keep your computer secure and monitor your children's access.
Better still, shop local. Support local business and they will support you and we all win in the long run.
Ray Harch, Toowoomba
Originally published as LETTER: Be extra careful when shopping on the web
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