Use your credit card when shopping online, consumer boss warns

The Consumers Association of Ireland is urging people to use only credit cards or Paypal when shopping for goods online.

The warning comes today, on "Cyber Monday" - the busiest online shopping day in the run up to Christmas.

55% of Irish people are expected to purchase gifts online this year with a total spend of €512 per person.

"Really of the utmost importance is that you be sure of the site you're on, that it has all the protections … that you would expect," said Dermot Jewell, CEO of the Consumers Association of Ireland.

"Where possible, always insist yourself, for protection, that you pay either through PayPal or using a credit card.

"We have a very positive legal structure here … that protects consumers when using a credit card."