How to stay safe online when shopping

The UK European Consumer Centre (UK ECC) has released a 60-second video about subscription traps with top tips on how to stay safe online.

This is part of the annual National Consumer Week. It is also part of a series designed to draw consumers’ attention to potential consumer problems and consumer rights.

Laura Johnston, the UK ECC consumer advisor featured in the clip, said:

“We know that these days everybody is short of time, but we want to encourage as many people as possible to spare just 60 seconds to watch this: it could make a real difference.“

 

Don’t get caught in a subscription trap

Subscription issues can include signing up for a fixed term deal, trial, or promotion where it is unclear that the consumer will be auto-enrolled into ongoing payments.

Laura added:

“Consumers made the vast majority of these purchases online, for a large range of beauty-type products. This is not a universal problem by any means - there are good health or beauty product companies supplying such products to consumers in an honest and above-board way under contracts which are fair – but we are still concerned.”

 

Follow National Consumer Week updates on Twitter using #BeforeYouSign and #NCW17.

If you find yourself in a position where you have ongoing payments being taken from your account, contact the UK European Consumer Centre for advice on 01268 88660 - weekdays between 9am and 5pm.