by Will Kilner City Centre Reporter Consumers across the district are being warned to be on their guard against websites that sell counterfeit goods or disappear with their cash.

Trading Standards officers are spreading the word through a varied programme of activities and information sessions next week.

The campaign, which will focus on schools and higher education institutions, is being held to coincide with National e-Consumer Week, which begins on Monday.

Research out by the Trading Standards Institute shows that three- quarters of people feel unsafe when shopping online, more than half fear their card or bank details will get stolen and while a tenth worry their item will never arrive.

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer, said: “It is vital that we arm consumers with the correct knowledge and skills to keep themselves, and their money safe, when using this increasingly popular method of shopping.”

Councillor Neil Taggart, chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, which oversees the work of Trading Standards, said: “People often feel more relaxed shopping in the comfort of their own home but they need to take simple precautions to ensure they don’t have a problem with the trader by following our checklist first.”

This year, the Trading Standards’ Education Team will deliver talk to school pupils about the issues.

Woodside Primary School and Carlton Bolling College, in Bradford, will be among the participants.

Education Officers will also host display stands during Fresher’s Fairs at Bradford College and the University of Bradford.

The key messages will be around keeping personal details safe and avoiding fake goods and illegal sites.

Fakes which shoppers are particularly warned about include mobile phones, GHD hair straighteners, Nintendo DS Lite consoles, video games, clothing, toys, perfumes and cosmetics, alcohol drinks and cigarettes.

The advice is: C Choose your sites carefully H Help by thinking about the price, the place you are buying from and packaging E Ensure the site is secure (look for https and the padlock) C Contact law enforcement if you spot something suspicious K Keep a copy of the order, details of the website and acknowledgements