Make sure you have the provider’s contact details before paying for anything online
If you have a problem you will have to contact the seller to try and put it right. Is there a contact page? Is it complete with an address and phone number?

Make sure you have all the key information before buying
If, for example, you are about to buy an MP3 player ensure you have all the practical details about how it will be delivered, if there are any delivery charges, is after-sales service available in your language?
Check if there are any limits or thresholds that apply to what you are buying. There’s nothing worse, for example, than buying an Internet access package because it offers high speeds, and then finding that this is only available at certain times of the day! Read the terms and conditions carefully. This is what you’re buying!

Careful with your personal data!
The data you put on the net stays there for a long, long time and may be used by others.
You should be able to refuse further communication from the company or a third party.

Always check your credit card statements to make sure you have been billed correctly

Check who you are buying from
Use sites that help you compare products you are thinking of buying e.g. travel blogs, hotel rating sites etc.
Use review sites to get all the info you need to make an informed choice. Information is power.

 
Don't be misled
If it looks too good to be true, it often really is too good to be true! So look out for any extra charges. Check that the 'free' part is not a one-off or local offer and that you are not also entering into a contract which will take time to get out of!
If you have been given false or misleading information you can and should complain (National consumer organisations).
If something you bought is not of satisfactory quality, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. Don't be afraid to send it back.

Don't be lured into a quick purchase because of an attractive offer
The full price of any product must be shown clearly. Sellers are obliged by law to give clear and complete information - particularly when it comes to price and extra charges - so that you can make an informed choice. Is that offer as attractive as announced?

Don't be afraid to seek help if things get complicated
Check with friends if they have had similar problems.
You can also get help from your European Consumer Centre if you have problems when buying things across EU borders (ECC-Net).

Don't open spam mails
When you open a spam mail it may download a little piece of information, showing that your e-mail address is active. That’s an invitation to send more spam – or even a virus.
The offers in spam mails are often misleading or fraudulent. No one has ever received a million euros randomly from an e-mail.
 
 
Europa
http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/citizen/index_en.htm

How to know if you are getting a fair deal



Are you being bullied on the internet?
http://www.keepcontrol.eu