Internet shopping
Brand-i
Brand-i is a shopping directory that only lists webstores selling genuine products.
You can use the directory to help find popular designer or branded clothing, perfume, shoes, music, sunglasses, etc. You can trust the listed online stores as they have been provided with the consent of the brands themselves. Brand-i is an independent directory, but is supported by the Trading Standards Institute, so you know it's a reliable source of information. Brand-i can also be used to report suspicious webstores by clicking on the Report a Site button on the website. Shop with confidence at www.brand-i.org.
Symbols and information that should guide you to safer shopping on line
Padlock or unbroken key icon
These show that the site is enabled and encrypted for online safety. Encryption is a data-scrambling technology that keeps crooks from stealing your personal financial information.
https:
An 'https:' starts the web address when you check out
Make sure that 'https: -- not just an 'http: -- begins the webpage address at the top of your screen before you key in your credit card information at checkout. That final 's' means that a secure, encrypted connection is in place between your computer’s browser (ie, Internet Explorer) and the website you’re visiting. If you don’t see the final 's' starting the address when checkout time occurs, stop the transaction.
VeriSignTrust Seal
The VeriSign Trust Seal means that VeriSign has verified a website company’s identity. The seal verification page displays their business information and encryption information, and shows that the Web site has passed a daily malware scan, helping visitors feel safe from search to browse to buy. Combined with a closed padlock, https in the URL or a green address bar, the seal also means the site is secured by a VeriSign SSL Certificate.
ISIS logo
ISIS (Internet Shopping Is Safe) is run by the e-retail industry body IMRG, Internet Media Retail Group.
The ISIS logo certifies that the retailer has:
- registered with the ISIS programme and undertaken to trade in a manner that is legal, decent, honest, truthful and fair;
- had its web site and service reviewed and monitored by IMRG;
- had its Business, VAT and Data Protection registrations checked by IMRG.
To verify the e-Retailer's ISIS accreditation, simply click on the ISIS logo - a new 'ISIS verification' page will open up confirming that specific retailers’ accreditation. If you see an ISIS logo that doesn't correctly link through to the verification page, report it to IMRG immediately.
More tips on internet shopping on the Consumer Direct website
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