A new web tool to protect online shoppers from fraudulent web traders and inform them which websites they should trust was launched in Dublin yesterday.
The "Howard" tool was developed by the European Commission, and it allows online shoppers to check a web trader's reputation before committing to purchasing goods from the website.
The tool gathers information on individual websites, such as where and when the site was registered.
The service also checks whether a website has "trusted" accreditation, and finds details of official company registration.
"Dodgy web traders had better watch out because the European Commission is determined to protect consumers from rip-offs and to build confidence in online trading," said Martin Territt, director of the European Commission representation in Ireland.
The tool also provides consumers with advice on their rights when shopping online in Europe.
English and Danish versions of "Howard" are currently available, and the European Consumer Centre (ECC) said the tool would also be available in several other European languages in the coming months.
The European Consumer Centre network was set up by the European Commission to provide free information on consumer rights and to assist in cross-border disputes.
"Howard" is available to use free of charge on the ECC website at www.eccdublin.ie.
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