Online shopping has various advantages for the busy consumer. It saves time in the comfort of your home. Moreover, the web is also a great place to compare prices and best market deals. However, there are also a number of threats that consumers should be aware of. When buying online, consumers can only see products on a screen and the real product can look somewhat different when it finally arrives home. There are also security risks. So here are some tips as to what consumers should be careful about when buying online:

• Before giving out any credit card details check out security features, such as the 'https' in front of the web address at the top of the page, and a padlock or unbroken key symbol at the bottom.

• Try to print the order form and any confirmation screens or e-mails for future reference.

• Never rely on just an e-mail address. Look out for a customer service number and a postal address and take note of them.

• Always check your bank's statement carefully after purchasing something from the internet.

• Keep in mind that when you buy from an EU member state, there is the cooling-off period, which gives you the right to return items for any reason and request full refund of the money spent. The only charge that may be made to the consumer is the direct cost of returning the goods.

• In Malta the cancellation period is 15 days from the day after the goods are delivered.

• When goods are returned during the cooling-off period, retailers are obliged by law to provide any refund within a maximum period of 30 days.

• Goods ordered should be delivered to consumers within 30 days of the date of order or within the period agreed with the consumer.

• In case of defective goods, online shoppers have the same rights for remedy and compensation as other shoppers.