Internet auction sites offer a tempting shop window with a wide range of merchandise ready to buy at the click of a button. For sellers, they offer an easy way to advertise and sell their goods.

Many people who advertise goods for sale on internet auction sites are private sellers. As a buyer, you may not really know who you are dealing with or where they are based. So be wary.

You may have fewer rights when you buy in an internet auction. The goods must be described accurately, but a seller who is not acting as a business is not covered by rules on satisfactory quality and fitness for purpose.

Some auction websites offer complaints resolution processes or anti-fraud guarantees. Not all do though, so read the terms and conditions. The obligations which the website has to you are likely to be limited.

If you encounter a problem with an internet auction you can call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.