Have you recently bought something via the internet? Perhaps you use mail order catalogues or TV shopping channels? Did the trader inform you of your right to cancel under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000?

The Regulations give you added protection when you make a purchase via a "Distance-selling scheme" (see below for definition). However it is still quite clear that a great many companies are either unaware of their new responsibilities or simply choose to ignore them.

Traders who deal via distance-selling schemes are required to advise you that you have a seven day period within which you can cancel your order (for any reason) and get your money back. Failure to provide you with this (and other) information may be a breach of the Regulations and can have the result of extending the cancellation period by up to three months.

What information must the trader provide?

• The price of the item
• Arrangements for delivery
• The existence of a right to cancel
• How to cancel your order
• A geographical address (for complaints)
• After sales service and guarantees
• Distance Selling Scheme - an organised scheme involving no face to face contact - for goods and services between suppliers and consumers (not business to business).