Ten more tips for safe xmas e-tail

First, the government brings us three tips for safe online shopping. Then the e-tail industry indulges in some one-upmanship by publishing not four, not five but ten pointers to help make your e-tail experience this Christmas a good one.

According to the Interactive Media in Retail Group (IMRG), internet shopping offers many benefits to consumers. These include opportunities to save time and money, greater choice, the convenience of shopping when you like and having goods delivered to your door. It also enables surfers to find and compare products and prices.

It said in a statement released today that online shopping "is safe for consumers who use their common sense and follow simple industry guidelines".

And these guidelines are:

1. All of your usual shopping rights apply online: see http://www.consumer.gov.uk

2. Know who you're dealing with: get the seller's phone number and postal address

3. Be aware of terms and conditions: check payment and delivery details

4. Keep records of what you order

5. EU law protects you against fraudulent use of your payment card in EU transactions: credit cards give you extra protection

6. Only give your payment card details over a secure connection, and never by email: never disclose your PIN to anyone, and NEVER send it over the internet

7. You usually have at least seven days to cancel an order and request a refund from an EU retailer

8. Check your payment card statement carefully: you have at least 90 days to report a suspect transaction

9. When you buy goods online from outside the EU: You are an importer and may be liable to pay any Customs Duty and VAT; err on the side of caution as it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise

10. If you have a problem, contact the seller then, if you need to, the payment card company, local Trading Standards Office and any 'trustmark' organisation the seller is registered with

Easy.