Southampton City Council Trading Standards have issued a safe Internet Christmas shopping checklist to help local families get the best possible deals at what is traditionally an expensive time of the year.

The list comprises five key checks that are easy to remember.

l PAYMENT - in the EU, the card company must refund you if your credit or debit card is used fraudulently.

WEBSITES - use ones you know or which are recommended - or look for the TrustUK logo. Get the supplier's phone number and postal address.

RECORDS - Keep a copy of what you've ordered, plus the supplier's confirmation message.

QUALITY - Your high street consumer rights apply online. See www.consumer.gov.uk

COOLING OFF - In many cases in the EU the law lets you change your mind and get a refund within seven days of the delivery.

A spokesman for Southampton City Council Trading Standards said: "We hope these tips are really useful to local consumers. It's amazing the number of people who don't know the full rights they have at their disposal.

"Internet shopping can be a minefield but it doesn't have to be."

Cabinet member for environment and transport Councillor Richard Williams said: "I fully endorse the advice of our Trading Standards team. Their common sense approach could save people a lot of money and heartache."

MORI research published last month showed that while confidence is growing among online shoppers, some remaining concerns are preventing more people from spending their money online. These are:

Fear of credit card fraud.

Having to give out personal information.

Company may not be genuine.

Commenting on the MORI research, consumer minister Melanie Johnson said: "Shopping on the Internet can be safe if you follow a few simple rules. Our research shows that consumers have greater confidence in the safety of online shopping than they did a year ago. Our checklist for safe Internet shopping aims to help dispel lingering fears about the safety of buying goods on the Internet."