As a consumer, you must take precautions in making purchases over the Internet Credit cards details, account numbers and passwords can fall into the hands of criminals, however this can be avoided by understanding your rights and knowing how to protect yourself when E-shopping.

Do your homework. A few simple rules apply:

1. Research a company before you shop or send them money. Check that the merchant has provided full company details, including a street address and a telephone contact number. Read the company's security and privacy policy.
2. If an offer appears too good to be true, be aware that the offer is probably not true.
3. Always use a secure website.
4. A website is secure when an unbroken key or a lock appears in your browser window. A reputable online business will explain its security measures on the site.
5. Identify delivery and return policies.
6. Just as with any prospective purchase, make certain that you read the fine print. The company's physical address, phone number and business identification number should be provided on the company website. Understand how and when the good and/or service is to be delivered to you (and check related charges such as taxes, exchange rates, etc.). Find out your options, should you need to return the item or the service you've purchased is unsatisfactory.
7. Always keep a record of your transactions and payments.
8. Many online companies will email you an order confirmation that summarises the price and quantity of a purchase. You should print a copy of this information and keep it until the goods arrive.
9. Notify your bank immediately if you become aware of an unauthorised transaction on your credit card account.
10. It's just good practice to check your bank statements periodically to make sure that everything is in order and there aren't any unauthorised transactions.
11. Get to know the technology.
12. As a general rule, you will find that secure sites use Secure Sockets Layer technology (SSL). Secure pages appear in your browser as 'https://', while standard pages begin with 'http://'. When you are using a secure site to make a payment or a purchase, your browser should also display a lock or key icon.
13. Be careful about the information that you provide about yourself.
14. Read the privacy policy contained in the website that you are visiting. Make certain that you understand the site's policy regarding the disclosure of your personal information. Find out what their policy is on collecting, storing, using and disclosing your personal information. Don't disclose any personal information until you know how it will be used.
15. Keep your personal information private.
16. Keep your passwords private. Also, avoid using a telephone number, birth date, or a portion of your tax file number as your password. For greater security, use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols.

The Australian Privacy Commissioner's Website:
The Privacy Commissioner publishes guidelines on working safely with email, web browsing and e-commerce. Find out some simple steps for protecting your privacy at http://www.privacy.gov.au

Know your rights and where to turn.
Further information can be obtained from the fact sheet Online security.

If you are shopping online with an Australian company, the transaction is governed by the same laws that protect you when you are buying goods or services at a store in that state.

Note that rules can vary slightly from state to state. If you shop offshore, you are less protected and you might have a hard time enforcing your rights. Understand your rights and obligations before you complete an online transaction.

For further advice, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria or the relevant consumer or fair trading department in your state. Try also the Australian Competition & Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC).