Released on = November 24, 2005, 9:35 am

Press Release Author = Moneynet

Industry = Financial

Press Release Summary = Shopping online for Christmas? Follow a few simple
guidelines to keep your cash and your goods secure

Press Release Body = Online shoppers should be extra vigilant when buying Christmas
gifts online this season, warns financial data comparison site Moneynet. (
http://www.moneynet.co.uk )

"Criminals are increasingly turning to the Internet to relieve consumers of their
money and goods as the introduction of Chip and Pin cards has made credit card fraud
harder," said Moneynet chief executive Richard Brown.

"As more and more people now use online services to send seasonal gifts, it's worth
bearing in mind a few simple points to make sure that you - and your money - are
safe," he added.

Use sites you know and can trust

A good, no-brainer start is to use only reputable sites that you know and can trust
or that have been recommended to you.

Only shop on secure sites

Before using your credit card on any site, make sure that the site is secure. You
can check this by looking for a locked padlock or unbroken key symbol in the bottom
right hand corner of the window. The URL for the site will also be prefixed by
'https' instead of 'http' once you are in a secure area.

Check bank statements regularly

Always check your statements carefully and look out for any unusual transactions.
If you find anything that doesn't look right report it to your bank or building
society immediately.

Protect your credit cards

Never leave your card lying around or let anyone take copies of your card.

Keep your PIN safe

Always protect your PIN number and never write it down.

Shred your bank statements and credit card statements

Criminals require surprisingly little information with which to commit fraud.
Invest in a shredder and shred bank statements, credit card statements and utility
bills before disposing of them.

Print off copies of your orders

Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your order and make sure
you understand who is paying for delivery and what the returns policy is. Print
copies from the site so that you have these to refer to in case of a dispute.

"Follow these fairly simple rules and you should protect yourself - and avoid the
hordes of High Street festive shoppers," said Brown.

"And remember that nothing is 100% safe - so always stay alert for anything that
seems out of the ordinary and if in any doubt, don't proceed," he advised.

http://www.moneynet.co.uk/christmas-savings-guide/index.shtml

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Editor\'s notes

Moneynet.co.uk is the UK's most established personal finance research and data
website. The company offers consumers a wide range of low cost financial products:
from mortgages and personal loans; to car, home and medical insurance; credit cards;
savings accounts and best-buy fixed rate products. Moneynet.co.uk is an ethical,
impartial and comprehensive source of consumer finance information, covering the
whole of the personal finance sector.

Moneynet was founded in 1997 by Chief Executive Richard Brown to simplify the
personal finance market and provide consumers with impartial and interactive
information on financial products and services.

Web Site = http://www.moneynet.co.uk

Contact Details = Press enquiries

Richard Brown, Chief Executive, 020 8313 9030

Consumer enquiries:

online@moneynet.co.uk

http://www.moneynet.co.uk