TRADING standards officers in Hartlepool have thrown their weight behind a campaign to warn people of the dangers of shopping on the Internet.

The advice comes during National Consumer Week, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about buying goods on-line.

Trading standards officials have produced a free booklet, Shopping on the Internet - Better Safe than Sorry, which aims to guide consumers.

Jim Tann, trading standards officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "The Internet is fast expanding, and every day, more people are turning to the web as a convenient way to buy goods and services, but along with the benefits come the risks.

"If some on-line offers sound too good to be true they probably are.

"The new booklet explains some key precautions a consumer can take to ensure their transaction runs as smoothly as planned."

Copies are available this week from the trading standards consumer advice centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool. The first 100 visitors will also receive a Know Your Rights mouse mat.

Mr Tann said that new laws which take effect at the end of this month will give consumers greater protection when shopping on-line.

He said: "Next month, all European websites supplying goods and services must disclose the name of the company, give full descriptions of the goods and services offered, and include taxes and delivery charges in their prices.

"If consumers are not satisfied with their purchases they will get the right to return most goods within seven days of the delivery."

Further information is available by contacting (01429) 284007.