Scams - Online shopping - bogus websites and non-existent goods Alert

Royal Greenwich Trading Standards are warning residents to take care when buying goods online to avoid scams, especially if the goods on offer seem cheap.

Trading Standards had several complaints of residents who have not received goods ordered online and don’t even know if the trader is in the UK.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For safe shopping:

• Ensure that any online retailer unfamiliar to you is reputable by researching them, and checking blogs.  Establish a physical address and telephone contact details. Remember that the best way to find a reputable retailer is via recommendation from a trusted source.
• Remember that paying by credit card offers greater protection than with other methods in terms of fraud, guarantees and non-delivery.

Check credit card and bank statements carefully after shopping to ensure that the correct amount has been debited, and also that no fraud has taken place as a result of the transaction.  Make sure you contact your bank quickly if any problems