Sitting in the comfort of your own home surfing the world wide web? Don't be lulled into a false sense of security!

City of York Trading Standards is receiving numerous complaints about internet transactions, and a recent report published by the Office of Fair Trading verifies that while many transactions are trouble-free, the internet can be a dangerous place to conduct business.

An international sweep of the internet has found 176 websites based in the UK making claims that are "too good to be true".

Examples of claims include a free prize draw offering "£3 a night for luxury hotel accommodation", but consumers must send £49.95 to obtain a directory which contains discount vouchers.

Another example is a working-from-home scheme offering business opportunities that will significantly increase income, by, for example more than £2,500 per month, without specifying how this is done and only providing mobile telephone numbers.

In all, there were 90 working-from-home schemes, 52 get-rich-quick schemes, 20 lottery scams, 15 prize offers and four sites offering educational qualifications.

More than 234 breaches of consumer protection legislation were identified, including the Control of Misleading Advertising Regulations and the Distance Selling Regulations.

Investigations are continuing.

City of York Trading Standards department offers these tips to avoid getting caught by the scams.

Steer clear of promises of instant wealth, "free" gifts and incredible discounts and bargains

Be wary of personal accounts claiming outstanding results

Read all the terms and conditions

Research the business with an internet search on the product/company name, and verify any contact details.

Consumers should also be wary of internet auctions.

Recent complaints include late or non-delivery of items to buyers or non-payment to sellers, goods of lesser value or substantially different from the description sent to the buyer, or failure to disclose relevant information about a product or terms of sale.

Before buying from these sites we would advise consumers to:

Make sure you understand how feedback facilities work. Feedback, when available, provides users with information about recent transactions by other users

Check the item's description

Ask questions of the seller

Read the terms and conditions including those relating to any dispute resolution procedures offered by the site

Don't be tempted to trade off site if approached and offered a similar item to one that has been the subject of an unsuccessful bid.

For further advice on internet shopping, a copy of the leaflet "Online shopping rights", or advice on any consumer matter contact City of York Trading Standards at 9 St Leonard's Place.

You can also phone the department on 01904 551562 for an appointment or to discuss a consumer problem.

You can email trading standards at trading.standards

@york.gov.uk

Updated: 09:32 Thursday, April 22, 2004