If you are ordering from the internet, save the information that relates to your order: this might be the advert, pages from the supplier's web site and the order form.

Keep any copies of e-mails.

Credit card risks on the web
Many sites are aware of consumer concerns and are responding accordingly.
If you are shopping on the web try to buy from a safe site.

• many major e-tailers show that any credit card details you send will be done so via an encrypted – secure – page.
Please note: encryption only protects your card details in transit. The security of your card ultimately lies in the hands of the retailer.

• If you're using Microsoft or Netscape web browsers, look out for the closed padlock symbol on the status bar at the bottom of the screen. It means the site is safe.

• If the padlock isn't there you might want to check out the site is secure in other ways – or buy from a different site.
If you do shop using credit cards you could consider using a special internet card account for your online shopping. This could limit how much you are able to spend on any one order (which is different from the credit limit you are allowed on a card) but may have the benefits of giving you more confidence in security.