Whether you're buying direct from a business or an individual, an online “retailer” or an Internet auction, shopping online can be fun, easy, practical, and economical. But, just as in the bricks and mortar world, the Internet shopping experience can be marred with unscrupulous dealers constantly devising new ways to deceive consumers out of their money.

 With online shopping becoming more popular the need to secure your bank details is very Important , the following steps may help you limit the chance of your bank account being raided by unwanted parties. 

• Find out what your financial institutions policy is on money being stolen from your account via an online transaction and will they refund.
• Obtain an account dedicated solely for online shopping.
• Only keep in that account enough funds to honor purchases made online.

Always use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase.

Reputable sites use technologies such as SSL(Secure Socket Layer) or SET (Secure Electronic Transmission) that encrypt data during transmission.

You can tell if this technology is in use when the lock icon at the bottom of your web browser window is closed. (In no case should you send your credit card number by e-mail.) Another way is to check the address of the site you are accessing; it should begin with "https".

Be sceptical.

Be wary of deals that appear too good to be true. They probably are. If you have suspicions, call the merchant and ask those tough questions. No phone number listed on the site? Then take your business somewhere else.

Check the shipping costs.

Shipping, especially for next day delivery, could make the total purchase price more than you would pay in a retail store. At one time, many sites offered free shipping as a way to attract customers. While those days are over except during the holidays, some sites still offer free or discounted shipping for select items and purchases over a certain amount.

Protect private information.

All reputable sites should post a privacy policy that explains what they do with customer information. Take a few minutes to review it. If you don't agree with the policy--some sites sell data to third parties--don't shop at the site. Even if you have no objections, don't provide unnecessary information by filling out the optional fields in the order form.

Review the return and refund policies.

How can you return unwanted merchandise? How long do you have? Will you receive a full refund? Who pays for return shipping? An e-tailer should provide answers. If not, call the merchant before you buy.

Pay with plastic.

In Australia, credit cards offer the same consumer protection whether shopping online or offline--you are liable only for AUD $50 if your card is used fraudulently. You can also challenge charges and withhold payment in the event of a dispute with a merchant.

 An alternative payment option, particularly for buying from auction sites, is setting up an account with PayPal. You electronically transfer money from your bank account into your PayPal account, then use it to pay merchants. 

Print a copy of your order for your records.

After you submit an order, you will get a screen with details of the transaction. Sometimes there is a link to a web page where you can check the delivery status. You may also receive an e-mail confirmation.

Learn the Merchant's Cancellation, Return and Complaint-Handling Policies

Even under the best of circumstances, shoppers sometimes need to return merchandise. Check the web site for cancellation and return policies.

• Who pays for shipping?

• Is there a time limit or other restrictions to the return or cancellation?

• Is there a restocking charge if you need to cancel or return the order?

• Do you get a store credit, or will the company fully refund your charges to your credit card?  If the merchant only offers store credits, find out the time restriction for using this credit.

Don't expect less customer service just because a company operates over the Internet. This is especially important if you are buying something that may need to be cleaned or serviced on occasion.

• Does the merchant post a phone number and/or e-mail address for complaints?

• How long has the company been in business?

• Will they still be around when you need them?

• Is there an easy, local way for you to get repairs or service?

• Is there a warranty on the product, and who honors that guarantee?

• What are the limits, and under what circumstances can you exercise your warranty rights?

13. Use Shopper's Intuition

Look at the site with a critical eye. And heed the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

• Are there extraordinary claims that you question?

• Do the company's prices seem unusually low?

• Does it look like the merchant is an amateur?

• Are there a lot of spelling or grammar errors?

• Does the company's phone go unanswered.

The use of a post office box might not send up a red flag, but a merchant who does not also provide the company's physical address might be cause for concern.

If any of these questions trigger a warning bell in your head, you will be wise to find another online merchant.

14. Be Wary of Identity Theft

As e-commerce becomes more common, there will be more cases of identity theft committed over the Internet. Imposters are likely to obtain their victims' identifying information using low-tech means like dumpster diving, mail theft, or workplace access to SSNs. They are increasingly using the web to apply for new credit cards and to purchase goods and services in their victims' names.

The same advice for avoiding low-tech identity theft applies to shopping on the Internet. Many are mentioned in the above tips. Most important: Be aware of who you are buying from. And use true credit cards for purchases, not debit cards.

We recommend that you check your credit card bills carefully for several months after purchasing on the Internet. Look for purchases you did not make. If you find some, immediately contact the credit card company and file a dispute claim.