The BBC reports today that setting up a copycat web site to sell fake goods takes only a few seconds. The report goes on the mention that some fraudulent web sites are so sophisticated that they even have counterfeit security certificates to fool shoppers. And that fraudsters have used links to "bargains" sent via social networking sites, internet forums and in e-mails to get customers to the sites.

There has been a four fold rise in the number of fake goods seized at UK borders in the last 10 years, with more than 3.7 million being seized last year (see our post from February this year Goods I Bought Online were Confiscated by the Police.

So what's the answer? We recommend you

• look for contact details and customer service policies
• check the delivery times and prices
• make sure your payment is encrypted by checking for a secure server
• pay by credit card (this can give you extra protection)
• print your order confirmation

Use your instincts. If it smells bad it's probably rotten. But at Shopsafe we're experts at sniffing out criminal sites. See more safe shopping advice.

Or just start your online shopping with Shopsafe. We're the experts in safe online shopping, we'll help you shop at respectable, honest web sites.

All of the sites listed on Shopsafe have been verfied by us to be safe to shop at.  We look for secure servers at the payment stage, customer service policies, UK based contact details and compliance with the latest legislation.  You can post a review of a site and your shopping experience for others to read, and if you have a problem with a site listed on Shopsafe we'll look into it for you. Sites that no longer conform to our standards will be removed.

Many people buying fakes will think they have secured a bargain, but this could cost them in the end, according to Phil Buckle, director general of the Electrical Safety Council. "Just this month a teenager was badly burnt after buying seemingly genuine hair straighteners." Don't get burnt, shop safe.

As the recession continues online shopping habits are changing, with consumers increasingly turning to voucher codes in an effort to save money.

This is demonstrated at Google Trends, a tool which shows the popularity of certain search terms. A trend search for voucher codes shows the massive increase in the last 3 years of people searching for voucher codes online.

Since the beginning of 2007 the number of searches for 'voucher codes' has increased over 400%, with peaks during the Christmas shopping periods of 2008 and 2009. It shows the UK very much leading the way in searching for voucher codes (in the US they are referred to as coupon codes), and highlights Stevenage in Hertfordshire as being the epicentre of voucher code searches in the UK.

Are you from Stevenage? Is it the most money-saving town in Britain?

The very first money off coupon was created in 1887 by the Coca Cola Company, who gave out free coupons to their employees to distribute to their families. Within ten years, one in nine Americans had received a free drink through a complimentary coupon, putting Coca Cola, and money saving discounts, very firmly on the map.

And 58% of British shoppers said they used discount vouchers when Christmas shopping in 2009, according to a survey commissioned by website Voucher Hub. Get voucher codes and money saving tips from Money Saving Voucher Codes.

It's almost time for the kids to go back to school, or start school for the first time. It's a special day - possibly the only day of the year they are up to date with homework! Your homework list of things to buy before school starts can be never-ending, so get an 'A' in saving money with these back to school offers:

Voucher Codes

At Pure Footwear you can get 6% off everything, including the sale items, with code DA15 until the end of September.

UK Office Direct will give you 5% off everything until 30th September with code SEPT5.

Need a present for the teacher? Find Me A Gift will give you £5 off all orders over £30 with the voucher code FIVEROFF30.

Want to be able to keep up with the kids? Comet will give you 10% off all home office software with the code 10SOFT until 14th September. And PC World will give you 10% off all printers with the code 10PRINTER (until 8th September).

See more Currys voucher codes.

Offers

Toys r Us have some great Back to School discounts and multi-buy deals on top of their excellant selection of bags, pencil cases and stationary.

Sales

Oregon Scientific are offering up to 50% of their range of Early Learning Toys, with brands such as Barbie, Hotwheels and Star Wars.

Play.com are having an "Everything's a fiver" promotion until the 13th September.


Remember some children like going to school, some children like coming home, it's the bit in the middle that's the problem!