A consumer watchdog has issued a warning to people to stick to reputable retailers and be wary of suspicious online traders this Christmas.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said people may be concerned that Covid, Brexit-related shipping delays and stock shortages will impact their shopping plans and urged them them to watch out for rogue traders.
It advised customers to buy from reputable retailers, and said a cheaper price does not always mean a better deal and if it looks too good to be true, more often than not, it probably is.
Regarding online shopping, it said that when reading consumer reviews on websites, be wary if all of the reviews are positive. and to watch out for poor English on the site.
The CPSS also advised that customers consider using reputable online payment services to avoid potential scammers getting hold of bank account details.
